Missouri State’s Mock Trial Team won multiple awards at the Derek Morehead and Irene Downs Tournament hosted by University of Missouri-Kansas City Nov. 18-19.

Two teams within the MSU group won first and third place, and six members of the group won individual awards.

MSU competed against such schools as the University of Arkansas, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Mississippi, Creighton University, the University of Kansas and St. Louis University.

This was the team’s third tournament of the season. Already the team has won 15 individual and team awards, according to assistant professor of criminology and Mock Trial Team coach Dr. Jennifer LaPrade.

“To have this kind of success so early in our history is a testament to the talent and work ethic that our students have,” LaPrade said. “I am so proud of our team, and I thank everyone who helps support this program.”

“What an incredible achievement,” said Dr. Brett Garland, Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “I’m so very proud of what these exceptional students have accomplished and for representing our School, the Reynolds College and MSU with such class.”

LaPrade and assistant professor of criminology Dr. Jordan Riddell served as team coaches and were assisted by graduate assistant Emily Hicks, Greene County prosecutor Elizabeth Fax and several alumni.

“Professors LaPrade and Riddell are to be commended for all the time and energy they’ve devoted to our team,” Garland said. “I know from my conversations with major mock trial coaches from across the country how integral faculty-level leadership is to competition success.”

“That the MSU Mock Trial Team in its fourth season has now won a major tournament that hosted multiple teams from law school housing universities, and given that we don’t have a law school and its accompanying infrastructure to pull from, is monumental from my perspective,” Garland added.

Missouri State also hosted its own mock trial tournament, the Bear Brawl Classic, Nov. 10-12. Ten universities from ten states competed. MSU won fourth place as a team and three individual awards during the event.

The mock trial season will continue in the spring with at least three more tournaments.

Competition mimics real-life legal proceedings

Mock trial teams must engage in extensive planning, coordination and research even before a competition takes place.

“Over 700 mock trial teams in universities all over the United States receive a packet of evidence, legal documents and case law in mid-August,” LaPrade explained.

“Students then present criminal trials, playing both attorneys and witnesses, competing against other teams for who can present the most realistic and compelling criminal trials using proper courtroom procedure and rules of evidence,” LaPrade added.

“This activity helps build confidence, public speaking skills, teamwork, critical thinking and so much more in students,” LaPrade said. “No matter what career a student is pursuing, mock trial can be such a valuable experience.”

LaPrade described how much effort the team puts forth to be competitive.

“They work so hard,” she said. “They practice two nights a week for three hours each, plus put in a lot of weekend work and practice within the teams outside of formal practice.”

“And they are just all around great students to work with! I’m very proud of them.”

First place team winners

Victoria Ogbeifun (Team Captain)
Zach Arnold (Team Captain)
Josh Roberts
Alyssa Roney
Zackary Collison
Shelbee Reeves

Third place team winners

Layna Mangiapanello (Team Captain)
Hannah Killion (Team Captain)
Alex Rapp
Delilah Boggs
Clemmie Taylor
Ameliya Gerlt

Individual award winners

Victoria Ogbeifun – Outstanding Prosecution Attorney
Victoria Ogbeifun – Outstanding Defense Attorney
Layna Mangiapanello – Outstanding Prosecution Attorney
Zackary Collison – Outstanding Prosecution Witness
Zackary Collison – Outstanding Defense Witness
Zach Arnold – Outstanding Defense Witness

The MSU Mock Trial Team is supported by the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and by donations.

Learn more about opportunities in criminology and criminal justice

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News written by Dr. Jennifer LaPrade, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team. Photos provided by Dr. Jennifer LaPrade.