Saturday, March 31, the Mock Trial team headed to Kansas City for their state competition. The sixth-seeded team saw their year-end in the semifinals of the competition, in which they faced Clayton High School and represented the prosecution. 

But, for the first time in De Smet’s six-year Mock Trial history, the team journeyed its way into the state championship competition. Of over thirty competing schools, the team placed in the top six. 

“Their success is hard-earned,” Head Mock Trial Coach Tom Sothers said. “They stepped up to lots of challenges. It was exciting to go to the state competition where the talent is next level.”

The team battled in a total of six separate trials, switching between defense and prosecution, and a multitude of hours spent building their case. 

“I’ve enjoyed learning, growing, and connecting with my other teammates,” Attorney Hudson Miller said. “We put together a solid case, delivered a solid performance, and it’s been nothing but fun.”

Witnesses Jack Gaffney, Jack O’Leary, and Anthony Mercurio aided attorneys Dylan Moore, Hudson Miller, and Evan Scanlon in the Jackson County Courtrooms. 

“I really enjoyed the experience,” Anthony Mercurio said. “I think it gave me a better appreciation for the academic side of De Smet to be able to compete in something that isn’t on the athletic fields and courts.”

But, the show’s not over yet, with 6/7 of the team set to return next year, De Smet’s team still has their eyes on the prize.

“Our team did amazing this year, making it to sixth place in state,” Junior witness Dylan Moore said. “This is the best performance that I have ever seen in the De Smet Mock Trial, and I think if we work really hard and have another great team, there’s a possibility for a state victory next year.”