UMKC’s Mock Trial team makes ORCS tournament

  UMKC’s mock trial team is headed to the open round championship series (ORCS) tournament next Thursday for the first time in over 10 years. This is the next step on their way to nationals.

  The team has been gaining more attention and funding from the university over the last few years but the real shift comes from the people.

  “I think it’s really the culture on the team,” said senior political science major Luke Watkiss, “We work better together when we trust each other, when we’re friends.”

  This team culture was apparent in their preparation meeting with laughter filling the room prior to their case.

  “What I found here is a great community of people, very competitive people, who just love hanging out, love working together, love winning cases together,” said sophomore sociology major Kate Bruntz. 

  This mood immediately shifted when it was time for the case to start. The team was laser-focused on the case and what they needed to do. 

  Passion is the only way to describe the feeling that filled the room. 

  “What it really comes down to is the students that have remained consistent,” said criminology professor and mock trial coach Lynnette Lockhart. “You can’t put a price tag on that.”

  Concerns, however, were brought up with most of the “A team” graduating this semester. 

“We’ve been setting them up for successBeing on a team with them, sharing everything we have with them,” said senior criminal justice major Yasmina Mokhtar. “They definitely have what it takes.”

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