Florida State Mock Trial are headed to Nationals
FSU Mock Trial fights through ORCS to get a bid to the National competition
Florida State Mock Trial arrived in Atlanta, Georgia on the evening of March 10 and spent the evening exploring the Aquarium. Everyone was enjoying the evening looking at whale sharks, touching sting rays and watching Dolphin Tale shows. The team was in Georgia, scheduled to compete in the Opening Round Championship tournament for that upcoming weekend.
They knew the hardship they would have to endure.
Florida State Mock Trial, teams 1540 and 1541, gathered their case boxes, easels and demonstratives and headed to the Dekalb County Courthouse. Florida State went up against teams like University of Georgia, Stetson University, and (as always as if by fate) University of Florida.
Of the 24 teams, only six were going to get a bid to the Nationals competition in Greenville, South Carolina hosted by Furman University.
Florida State, Duke, Georgie Tech, Furman, UGA, and Patrick Henry College received bids to the national championship. The honorable mention was Washington and Lee University and the Spirit of AMTA Award was given to University of Florida.
Not only did Florida State Mock Trial walk away with a bid to Nationals, we also walked away with not only one, or two but THREE attorney awards.
Carlos Zapata, Joseph Wester and Mikayla Taylor
Mikayla Taylor and Carlos Zapata for the Defense and Joseph Wester for the Prosecution.
This competition however was something a little more special. Two of the “mockers” Peter Chechanover and Giancarlo Lisciani are seniors this year and will be graduating before the fall season. This would have been their last competition for the two in their mock trial career if we did not get to Nationals.
Before the last round the team got together and told them we were going to take both ballots, for them. The Tab asked both Peter and “Gianka” about their experience and how they feel knowing that they will be ending their mock trial career on the national level.
Giancarlo Lisciani said: “It felt surreal. I just couldn’t believe it when they called our team number at the closing ceremony. As bittersweet as this last year may be, I felt nothing but pride in the team for putting in the work and practicing the countless hours that were needed to get this point. I couldn’t have asked for a better last year in mock.”
Peter Chechanover was emotional and considers the mock trial team as a family. “I’ve spent 4 year of my life doing this activity and it is a blessing to be able to compete at the national championship my senior year with my friends and my family. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity.”
Congratulations Florida State Mock Trial on your bid to Nationals and good luck!