The Quincy University Mock Trial Team’s competitive season ended earlier this semester with a disappointing finish at their Regional Tournament in Springfield, MO.

Despite the veteran leadership of Captain Jordan Heeter and the contributions of other returning students, the Hawks were not able to secure a bid to the Opening Round of the National Championship (ORCS). Sophomore Jack Urbanciz secured an individual award for his outstanding performance as an expert witness, but QU fell short after running into larger schools from the Big Ten (University of Illinois Urbana Champaign) and SEC (University of Arkansas).

As the program looks to the future, it is toning down the seriousness and holding a “friendly” mock trial round on Saturday, April 15 against its coaches and several QU Alumni. The QU team will be led by outgoing Senior Captain Jordan Heeter and incoming Sophomore Captain Jack Urbanciz. They will be joined by a mixture of returning students and newcomers. The mock trial will begin at 10 a.m. in the Mock Trial Courtroom in Friar’s Hall.

The other side of the courtroom will be occupied by a team of the Mock Trial Coaches, Chris Pratt and Vanessa Meuth, and by alumni. The alumni will include Attorney and 2023 QU Legal Hall of Fame Inductee Melissa Lore ’97 and Attorney Gregory Pratt ’95. They will be joined by Rutgers Law School Director of Trial Advocacy J.C. Lore, III.

Presiding over the scrimmage will be newly appointed Justice Amy Lannerd of the Fourth District Appellate Court. Retired Appellate Justice and 2021 QU Legal Hall of Fame Inductee Judge Robert Dowd ’73 will be on hand to provide additional guidance to the students for the competition. While both teams are primarily looking to enjoy a light-hearted event, it is likely there will still be competitive spirit at play.

The Mock Trial team competes within the American Mock Trial Association and its other 200+ member colleges and universities. They travel to competitions throughout the Midwest and welcome all Quincy University students regardless of major. While the competitions are designed to simulate jury trials, the exercise is useful for any student wanting to improve their public speaking abilities.

For more information about the QU Mock Trial program or providing support, contact coach Chris Pratt at prattch@quincy.edu.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.