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The Carthage Mock Trial team finished its 2017-18 tournament season in February at the regional event in Toledo, Ohio. This year’s team was led by captains DaQuawn Bruce ’18 and Micah Pahl ’21. Other team members were Joseph Alfakhori ’18, Malik Frazier ’18, Melanie Jenner ’18, Michelle Knapp ’18, Thomas Moore ’18, and Melissa Vanlue ’20. Although Bruce was the only member with previous collegiate mock trial experience, the team remained competitive throughout the season and into the regional tournament where they faced perennially powerful teams from Notre Dame and the University of Chicago.   

DaQuawn was a member of Carthage’s National Championship Qualifying Team during the 2016 season and was an Outstanding Witness Award Winner at the National Championship. He continued his streak throughout this season. DaQuawn received Outstanding Witness Awards on both the prosecution and defense sides of the case and received at least one award at every tournament this season. He was a dual award winner in Toledo receiving awards for Outstanding Prosecution Witness and Outstanding Defense Attorney.  

Melanie also received an Outstanding Witness Award in Toledo by displaying her talent for a British accent which all of the judges believed to be authentic.

Carthage was also runner-up for the Spirit of Mock Trial Award which is given to the team that best exemplifies Mock Trial’s ideals of civility, justice and fair play. That honor speaks volumes about the professionalism, commitment, and camaraderie displayed by the team the entire season.

Attorneys Loren Keating and Ryan Ogren assisted in coaching and traveling with the team.  Professors Helene DeGross and Herschel Kruger were also instrumental in the team’s development and success this season. Additionally, Professor Art Cyr and the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business continue to provide support to the program. Mock Trial is truly a team effort.  

Mock Trial is a course in Criminal Justice (CRJ 3300) which is taught each fall by Professor Michael Phegley. Students of all majors are welcome to participate and can enroll for the course as an independent study. Students interested in joining next year’s team should email Prof. Phegley