WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News

WMU News

Mock trial team advances to national competition

Feb. 22, 2008

KALAMAZOO--For the fifth time since its inception in 1999, a team from Western Michigan University has qualified to compete in the American Mock Trial Association's national tournament.

The 10-member group finished fourth out of 24 teams during a regional tournament held Feb. 15-17 in Joliet, Ill. The group will now advance to the national competition March 14-16 in Waukegan, Ill.

During a mock trial, students assume the roles of lawyers and witnesses and present their side of a case issued by the American Mock Trial Association. This year's case involves a defendant who has pled guilty to assault. The defense and prosecution are on opposing sides arguing for a sentence of either probation or prison for five to 30 years.

Mock Trial Team Members

Bethany Whittles, a team captain who graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in political science, led the WMU team with an outstanding attorney award for her performance on the prosecution side of the case.

Dan Brim, captain, a sophomore in political science and English and a member of the Lee Honors College

James Conner, captain, a junior in political science and economics and a member of the Lee Honors College

Catherine Klein, a freshman in biomedical science and a member of the Lee Honors College

Chris Little, a freshman in political science

Hannah Markel, captain, a junior in political science

Reema Nandy, a December graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science and a member of the Lee Honors College

Blake Nichols, a WMU December graduate with bachelor's degrees in political science and Spanish and a member of the Lee Honors College

Alex Roman, a freshman in political science and a member of the Lee Honors College

Brent White, a senior in political science and finance

WMU's mock trial team is coached by part-time Lee Honors College and political science instructor Joelle Renstrom. The WMU mock trial team was founded in 1999 by the late WMU professor Dr. Peter Renstrom. The team dedicated its regional victory to his memory.

Media contact: Deanne Molinari, (269) 387-8400, deanne.molinari@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news