On any weekend during the school year, a courtroom somewhere in the Midwest transforms into a political battleground not with actual legal disputes, but with fierce intellectual competition. For Cornell College’s Mock Trial team, it becomes an opportunity to test their skills against some of the best collegiate teams in the country.
Mock trial is an academic competition where students simulate a trial. They take on roles as attorneys and witnesses. The team receives a fictional legal case at the beginning of the season and must prepare arguments as both the prosecution and defense side. Competitions require quick thinking and going against other schools to confidently deliver before a panel of judges. At the conclusion of the trial, the judge’s gavel strikes, signaling a winner.
Cornell College’s Mock Trial team, 1058, competed in the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) this season, where the finalists qualify for the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) National Championship Tournament. Over 700 teams compete this season, but only 192 teams make it to ORCS. Cornell has built a strong reputation in the mock trial community.
With their first team being founded in 2006, the program quickly continued to gain recognition under the guidance of the first coach, Jones County Attorney Kristofer Lyons. In 2009, Abbe Stensland took over as head coach. She led the team to multiple AMTA National Championship appearances, solidifying Cornell’s reputation. Over the years, the program has continued to grow, frequently qualifying for high-level tournaments.
During the 2022-2023 season, assistant coach and former competitor Mimi Vukelich maintained the team’s streak of advancing to ORCS every year since 2013. Now, with Max Handler as their coach, the program has reached a new milestone in gaining its first full-time head coach position. Handler, who previously coached at Washington University in St. Louis and Wellesley College, brings years of experience and a bright vision for the team’s future.
“It’s really unique how much Cornell has invested in the team and how it makes it a more rewarding experience for the students,” said Handler.
Cornell Mock Trial continues to thrive as one of the Midwest’s top collegiate programs. This season, Team 1058 has shown just how competitive they can be. At regionals, they faced tough opponents, including Indiana University, DePaul University, and Illinois State. Their record of 5-2-1 secured their place at ORCS. Along the way, individual members also earned special recognition: Rachel Ruish ’25 was named an All-Regional witness, while Kaden Legore ’27 and Celina Schertz ’27 were named all-regional attorneys.
“There is nothing better than competing at a high level with your friends, especially if you get to wear your Crocs,” said Ruisch.
Yes, the team has developed a unique tradition of wearing colorful Crocs to competitions to show off their unity and confidence. They have traveled extensively, competing in cities such as St. Louis, Des Moines, Madison, and even Nashville. Their journey began in September with tryouts, and since then, they have dedicated countless hours to refining their arguments, perfecting their delivery, and strengthening their presence in the courtroom to win.
Whether they’re in a courtroom or on the road, one thing is for sure, Team 1058 will bring their competitive spirit, legal expertise, and of course their Crocs.
“No matter what you end up doing mock trial is an incredible opportunity to build skills, beyond the public speaking, there is teamwork, confidence building, and leadership skills,” said Handler.