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H-BC mock trial team disadvantaged by lack of attorney coach in competition

By
Mavis Fodness

While the final scores averaged above 200 points, the Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School mock trial team was at a disadvantage in each of the four rounds they competed in this season.
The Patriots finished 0-4.
“After the competitions, the judges allow the students to ask questions, which is wonderful,” said adviser Megan Klumper.
“Most of the suggestions they give us for improvement have to do with topics that I don’t have the knowledge for. Since I don’t ‘live’ in the judicial world, I don’t know some of the expectations, and reading about them just isn’t enough.”
The H-BC team has been without an attorney coach since the 2019 season.
Klumper said only an actual attorney has the court knowledge to advise the students.
The school has put a request in for an attorney coach with the Minnesota State Bar Association, but no one has stepped forward. Klumper is hoping in the 2024 season she will receive attorney assistance.
“If anyone would like to help us, please give me a call,” she said.
H-BC competed in only one in-person mock trial this season.
“It was a little disappointing. It just seems so much more authentic when the students are in an actual courtroom,” Klumper said.
“My students improved greatly from beginning to end. I am proud of them.”
Weather, courtroom and judge availability forced most teams to conduct the mock trials via Zoom.
Members of the H-BC team included seniors Britton McKenzie, Tyrae Goodface, Lexi Drake, Leif Tollefson; juniors Kyler Hartz, Joy Taubert, Madison Gaugler, Tahliya Kruger; sophomores Emma Deelstra, Blake Leenderts, Isaiah Stefanyuk, Lexxus Wessels; freshmen Gavin Voss and Sarah Prohl.
 
2023 season record (0-4)
Round 1: Plaintiff vs. Murray County Central, 238-252
Round 2: Defense vs. Luverne, 223-238
Round 3: Plaintiff vs. Cotter, 199-222
Round 4: Defense vs. Battle Lake, 212-223

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