Staff Report
May 14, 2014
It may not be the finish for which Glenwood Springs High School’s mock trial team had hoped, but 19th out of 46 state champions in the competition is still an impressive feat.
“They did a great job. I was very proud of them,” coach Charlie Willman said of the students’ performance last weekend. “It’s a great program, and the kids are just phenomenal to work with.”
The team split the ballots the first round, with GSHS’s Colorado champions taking one and Virginia’s top team taking two. Virginia went on to finish sixth overall.
“If you lose a round in nationals, that’s pretty much the kiss of death,” Willman said.
Iowa came out on top in the second round, but Colorado received all three ballots against Rhode Island in the third, and topped New Hampshire 2-1 in the fourth.
The national competition marked the final match for two GSHS seniors, while six juniors will return to the mock courtroom on Aug. 1, ready for another try at a national title.
The school has a history of success in the competition, making it to the national event six times in the last 11 years and finishing second in 2002 and third in 2011.
“I have high expectations for the coming year,” said Willman.