Covington Catholic participated for the first time this year in the Kentucky mock trial competition, placing seventh in the state. Students play the parts of trial lawyers and witnesses, and they are judged on their ability to argue their side of the case. This year's case was one about election fraud.
According to junior Kyle Crail, team captain, mock trial has helped him build skills in three important ways.
"We build teamwork as we brainstorm and analyze the case theory; we use critical thinking skills when the case takes an unanticipated turn; and, we learn and practice how things like voice inflection can improve the impact of our public speaking skills," said Kyle, who is now considering a career as a trial lawyer.
On CovCath's team, Marcus Maier and Avery Dietz joined Kyle as the plaintiff attorneys. Zach Thapar, Trey Rottinghaus, and Nate Schumacher represented the defendant. Danny Matos, Will Akin, and Jacob Kennedy played the witnesses.
During the state competition, Nate Schumacher was named the outstanding attorney on CovCath's team, and Jacob Kennedy was named the outstanding witness. The team is coached by U.S. District Court Judge Amul R. Thapar and two of his law clerks, Kristin McCall and J.J. Snidow. Their tremendous coaching and devotion of time were much appreciated by the team, according to a press release.