Washburn University mock trial team competes in St. Louis

Washburn University

TOPEKA – Washburn University was one of 26 mock trial teams who competed in the St. Louis University Billiken Barrister Tournament Oct. 11-12. More than 200 students competed for team and individual attorney and witness awards. Junior Jenna Seematter, Marysville, was recognized for her near perfect performance (19 out of 20 possible points) as an attorney. Seematter was among the top 10 at the tournament. She is majoring in political science. Junior Heather Gelsinger, Lenexa, was recognized for her perfect performance (20 out of 20 possible points) as a witness. Gelsinger was among the top four at the tournament. She is majoring in economics and finance. Also competing in the tournament were Jane Billinger, Ellinwood; Courtney Brokaw, Silver Lake; TJ Gumm, Bonner Springs; Katelin Harrell, Lawrence; Josh Maples, Lindsborg; Michelle Neis, Tecumseh; Amber Rivera and Josh Rivera, both of Colwich; and Kim Caw, Brittany James, Trey Massengale, and Eli Woody, all of Topeka. Washburn’s mock trial team will compete at the University of Kansas Nov. 7-8 and Creighton University Nov. 14-15. The undergraduate mock trial program consists of member schools throughout the United States being assigned a case in September. Teams of six to eight students will work on this case, developing theories for both plaintiff and defense and prepare to try the case at the various competitions throughout the fall and spring semesters. The Washburn University Mock Trial Association sponsored the Mock Trial Regional Tournament. For more information contact Jim Schnoebelen, mock trial coordinator and lecturer, at (785) 670-1426.