This year, the Legal Wyverns have made it farther than ever before in the Mock Trial competition. In the past, they have come up against strong teams early in the competition and been eliminated early on in the season. This changed this year when they received a favorable start, that let them build up enough momentum to win their next couple trials bringing them to the semi-finals.
The Legal Wyverns went up against a difficult opponent in the semi-finals. The results were close, but much to the dismay of the mock trial team, the trial ended in a loss for KO. “I thought the team performed as well as any mock trial team I have ever seen,” senior captain Tom Betts said. “Both direct and cross-examinations went well and our lawyers made objections and defended them successfully. This was the furthest our team has ever made it in the tournament, and for good reason; this was possibly the best mock trial team KO has ever had. Being a senior and leading attorney was made easy by the experience and skill of younger members of the team.”
Senior captain Mia Seymour said she agreed with Tom’s sentiments. “I was really disappointed,” she said. “Not in how we performed, but in the outcome. I don’t think we could have performed better, but it’s unfortunate that we did not get the outcome we wanted. But we have so much to be proud of.”
While the team lost, they still performed incredibly well in their semi-final trial. “It is very disappointing that we lost the semi-final because as an observer I felt we clearly outperformed the other team,” Tom said.
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the team was very thankful for the help provided by the coaches. The team led by Ryan Costantini, Theresa Ravalese, and Judge Budzick. “The coaching of Ms. Ravelese, Judge Budzik, and especially Mr. C helped us form a highly competitive team that had a mastery of both the facts of this years case and of the skills involved in mock trial,” Tom said.
This trial marked the end of the season for the team, and the end of four seniors mock trial careers. Senior captain Tom Betts, senior captain Mia Seymour, senior captain Mike Autorino, and senior Matt Safalow are all now done.
Tom had some final advice for the team that he is leaving behind now. “I would encourage the team not to give up, as the majority of the team will be returning next year so we will have another chance to make the final next year.” So, while the seniors may be leaving their support goes out to the rest of the team, wishing success next season.
