WMU News

Mock trial team claims five awards in first year of competition

May 12, 2000

KALAMAZOO--The Mock Trial Team at Western Michigan University recently claimed five awards, including "Best New Team," at its first regional competition in Toledo, Ohio.

The team, comprised of 16 students, competed against 19 other college and University teams. For the competition, the team prepared and then tried a case, with members acting as both defense and the prosecution.

In addition to being named "Best New Team," WMU also received the "Spirit Award," an award given to the team that best exemplified civility and fair play as selected by the other competitors.

Three individual members of the team also received awards. Jennifer Alward and Sam Finkelstein received "Outstanding Attorney" awards, while Erica Nader was selected as the "Best Witness" in the competition.

The team was coached by Ashlyn Kuersten, WMU assistant professor of political science, and by Kalamazoo attorneys Russ Ambrose and Mark Rainwater.

Jennifer K. Alward of Ann Arbor, Mich., acted as an attorney and earned an Outstanding Attorney Award during the competition. A junior majoring in political science and criminal justice, she is the daughter of Lawerance J. Alward and Donna J. Alward.

Christopher J. Baker of Kalamazoo served as a team captain and acted as an attorney. A junior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law, he is the son of James C. and Gerianne M. Baker.

Nathaniel Banks of Kalamazoo played the role of a witness. He is a senior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law.

Sara J. Bechtel of Midland, Mich., acted as an attorney. A junior majoring in political science, she is the daughter of Katherine Rose and the late Lyle Bechtel.

Andrea L. Caron of Rochester Hills, Mich., played the role of an attorney. She is a sophomore majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law.

Travis L. Deters of Grand Haven, Mich., acted as a witness. A junior majoring in political science and criminal justice, he is the son of Barry and Tana Deters.

Sam A. Finkelstein of Whitehall, Mich., played the role of an attorney and earned an Outstanding Attorney Award at the competition. A member of the Lee Honors College, Finkelstein is a junior majoring in political science and psychology. He is the son of Harry T. and Sandra M. Finkelstein.

John Frost of Sturgis, Mich., played the role of an attorney. An April 2000 graduate, he received a degree in political science with an emphasis in public law.

Sara Jazayeri of Kalamazoo acted as a witness. A junior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law, she is the daughter of Jamshid and Sima Jazayeri.

Jarrett R. Morley of Rochester Hills, Mich., acted as an attorney. A sophomore majoring in political science, he is the son of Darrell L. Morley of Grosse Pointe Woods and Shelley L. Morley of Rochester Hills.

Heather A. Richards of Williamsburg, Mich., acted as a witness. A senior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law and criminal justice, she is the daughter of Terry L. Richards of Sturgis and Judy Richards of Sterling Heights.

Angela Sandusky of Morenci, Mich., played the role of a witness. She is a junior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law.

Kimberly J. Sparks of Marysville, Mich., acted as an attorney. A junior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law, she is the daughter of Jerry. L Sparks of Port Huron and Mary L. Simmons of Burtchville Twp.

John Urbanic of Ann Arbor, Mich., acted as a witness. He is a senior majoring in accountancy.

Towanda C. Whitten of Three Rivers, Mich., acted as a witness. A senior majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law, she is the daughter of Tommie and Katherine S. Whitten.

Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu


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