The gavel swings and hits cold wood. Sudden gasps escape from the mouths of the surprised onlookers. The verdict has been chosen and none can comprehend how this came to be.
From three teams to one in the span of a year. It has happened as quickly as a cheetah runs and as swiftly as a sparrow flies. They held out for as long as they could, but it has come. Albert Lea High School’s Mock Trial Junior Varsity team has been cut.
“I felt bad,” said ALHS junior and varsity Mock Trial team member, Tyler Egge said. “Because if I was in their position I wouldn’t want to not be a part of Mock Trial.”
After the team’s previous coach, Molly Grimmius, decided to resign as coach for JV, a search was conducted for a replacement. However, efforts were in vain, for JV was cut recently, partly because no new coach could be found. The question is not how to revive the team but how will new members prepare for varsity without the practice JV gives them? They will go straight to varsity in their first year and have to learn as they go, but with the help of their older peers perhaps next year’s Mock Trial participants can still come out with tongue-twisting arguments and jaw-dropping wins.
“It’s really fun,” said junior Carol Lein. “A lot of hard work, but it’s worth it.”
“It’s a really good experience and makes you think outside the box,” Egge said. “It helps you use people’s words against them.”
Incentives like phrase twisting and heated arguments aren’t the only reason students enjoy Mock Trial. Everyone gets to know each other and become close like most teams do, but with the added effect of the people you get close to may also be the defendant who keeps you from the “slammer.” Little things like that are the clay that holds them together.
“I enjoy spending my afternoons with [my teammates] preparing for our trials,” Egge said. “They are some of the best people to hang out with.”
Even though JV has been cut, the team still knows what type of coach they want, “The coach would need to be reliable,” Lein said. “And be able to be at all the practices,”were one to step forward.
Egge and Lein also agree ALHS math teacher Kevin Gentz would make an excellent JV Mock Trial Coach if he volunteered (no pressure intended). However, if that doesn’t bring any suitors, then some other requirements would be part of the following statement:
“We are looking for an average heighted person that likes long trials with smart people,” Egge said, “And is good with teenagers.”
No matter the outcome of this case, the clear verdict here for now is only one Mock Trial team and one gavel. Perhaps, in time, the JV team will be brought back when a coach steps forth and says “I will lead you to justice,” and when justice is served all will rejoice.