Columbia, TN – February 23, 2016 – Agathos Classical School’s inaugural Mock Trial team emerged victorious from Saturday’s (2/20) District 11 Mock Trial competition at Williamson County Courthouse. In its debut performance, the predominantly freshman squad competed against fourteen high schools from an eleven county region. In addition, two Agathos students placed in the individual awards category: Luke Worsham was recognized as one of the three top student attorneys and Luke Epley earned recognition as one of three top witnesses.
Co-coached by local attorneys, Mr. Jason Whatley and Mr. Cory Ricci, the rookie squad was comprised of attorneys Luke Worsham-10th, Ethan Seago-10th, and Josiah Burns-9th, and witnesses Luke Epley-9th, Samuel Whatley-9th, Micah Willoughby-9th, Adrianna Baena-9th, Carter Powers-10th, and Jake Trainor-11th. Advisors included Mrs. Sharon Babcock-Speech Coach, Mr. Grant Kelley-Rhetoric Coach, Grace Masters-10th, and Matthew Whatley-7th.
This year’s contest, sponsored by the TN State Bar Association, is based on a fictional civil case regarding a horse trailer fire. Teams compete in front of a jury of practicing attorneys and circuit court judges who collaborate to score each team on its performance according to set standards. “I especially appreciate the judges and lawyers who heard our cases,” expressed Coach Whatley. “It was a complete honor to be paired against some of the best mock trial programs in the state.”
“It was a complete honor to be paired against some of the best mock trial programs in the state.”
Successful teams must effectively represent both sides using the same body of evidence. The Agathos lawyers attained favorable judgments in their two rounds representing the Defendant and in the two rounds (including the Finals) representing the Plaintiff. Team Captain Worsham speculated that perhaps their preparation from a classical school helped them thrive in their first tournament. “The classical method, “says Worsham, “is perfect for mock trial because the whole time you’re thinking on your feet.”
Grateful for their coaching and recent success, the Agathos Warriors are again working diligently to prepare for State Mock Trial on March 18th-19th in Nashville, where they will compete against the top teams from Tennessee’s 14 regional districts. Head of School Ted Trainor concluded, “We are so grateful for the investment made in the lives of our students from the legal community. From our local attorney coaches to those involved at the regional level, this competition has been an encouraging experience. As the Bible teaches, we become like our teachers. In this sense, the adults involved in mentoring the students throughout this competition have been nothing short of amazing. Thus, I know I speak for the team when I say that we earnestly hope to continue to represent those mentors, our school, and region well in the State competition. And as a Christian school we sincerely hope to honor the Lord in all that we do along the way.”