UMD News Releases

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Mock Trial Team has won first place at the Hatting Invitational Mock Trial Tournament held January 17 and 18 at the University of St. Thomas Law School in St. Paul. The team was one of two UMD teams competing in the invitational tournament. Twenty college teams from as far away as Texas traveled to compete in the Hatting Invitational.

Students on each team function as attorneys and witnesses who litigate a case prepared by the American Mock Trial Association for use in competition throughout the nation. Mock Trial requires the students to prepare and deliver opening statements and closing arguments as well as examine and cross-examine witnesses. Mock Trial simulates actual trial litigation and requires thorough preparation, composure, and nimble thinking. Mock Trial prepares young people for public speaking in any competitive setting and specifically as future attorneys.

Team members include: Eric Glasson, Josh Eberle, Kelsey Genevich, Krista Allgor, Laura Zech, Peter Jessen, Peter Zethraus, and Rob Yount. In addition to overall first place team honors, three individuals were singled out for special recognition: Rob Yount as Outstanding Plaintiff's Witness, Josh Eberle as Outstanding Defense Attorney, and Peter Jessen as Outstanding Plaintiff's Attorney.

From left to right they are: Josh Eberle, Peter Zethraus, Krista Allgor, Eric Glasson, Kelsey Genevich, Rob Yount, Laura Zech, and Peter Jessen.

The teams' coach, UMD Political Science Professor Mark Jennings, described his two teams this way: "It has been a privilege working with these young people. Without any doubt, they are la crème de la crème. They are creative and courageous intellectuals. They represent precisely what college competition should be about."

The next competition for UMD's two Mock Trial Teams will be at the American Mock Trial Association's Regional Tournament in February.