By Eric Guzman '12
After finishing among the top three schools in the American Mock Trial Association regional tournament at Yale University in February, the Siena College Moot Court/Mock Trial team advanced to the national competition in the Opening Round Championship Series Tournament, hosted by the Pace University School of Law.
“We receive a new case summary each year in late August, usually small snapshots of the story,” explained Co-Captain Christine Armstrong ’13, who acted as the prosecution attorney and defense witness. “It is our job to piece together a theme and fill in the rest of the details before the tournament begins.”
Although the team participated in four trials during the two-day Opening Round tournament, they did not win enough judges to advance in the competition. Nonetheless, members received great feedback and are proud of this year’s accomplishments.
Co-Captain Mara Afzali '14 acted as both the defense attorney and prosecution attorney for the tournament. “I’m so proud of our team and how competitive we are with other schools,” said Afzali. “It has been a learning experience for me and I have appreciated all that I’ve gained from this experience.”
First year participant Steven Procopio ’15 acted as the prosecution witness and defense witness. Despite being new to the team, Procopio earned the All-Regional Outstanding Witness Award along with Armstrong. “It has been such a great experience so far,” said Procopio. “I expect to stay on the team and I known that we are still going to be competitive next year.”
The team’s advisor, Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor Len Cutler, Ph.D. said, “I am most pleased to serve as the team’s academic advisor and coach. We are fortunate and grateful to the coaches for all that they do on our behalf because we are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ivy League competitors, as we did this year, and make it to the nationals for the fourth time in our short history of mock trial experience.”
Armstrong, Afzali and Procopio were joined on the team by Carlie Roman '15, Tatiana Medina '13, Joe Stinton '13, Justin Devendorf '12, Leigh Ann Keefer '13, Caroline Bertholf '15, Raquel Gutierez '15, Halie Northrup '15, Samantha Garrison '12 and Sarah Sesterhenn '14.
The students receive support from, a variety of individuals, including James Montagnio, The Honorable Joseph Sise '85, Jurist in Residence The Honorable Patrick Monserrate, Javid Afzali '09, Eric Scalzo '08, Aubrey Roman '11, The Honorable Richard Giardino '81, Sonya Van Bortel '03 and Peter Van Bortel.
“The support of the team and the success that we’ve had speaks volumes about the pre-law program here at Siena,” said Armstrong. “Although we are a small school, I definitely think we made some noise at Yale. Each year we’re proving that not only can we compete at the level of some bigger schools, but we can finish ahead of them as well.”
As co-captains, Afzali and Armstrong appreciate the support from their coaches, mentors and the Siena College community. They hope to continue recruiting new members and preserve Siena’s success on the national stage in the upcoming years.
