, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
The 2023 Luverne High School mock trial team’s performance of this year’s malpractice case Monday was just for fun as the team celebrated Parents Night in the school media center.
The students wrapped up the season Feb. 17 with their only loss and missed the chance to attend this weekend’s state tournament.
The Luverne students took on Owatonna High School in the tournament-qualifying Round 5. The winner would represent the Greater Minnesota Southern Division at the state tournament.
The Luverne-Owatonna match was the only one where the presiding judge was called upon to break a 1-1 tie. The scoring judges deadlocked on a winner in the Jamie Morton v. Ardi Ramidus, M.D. case.
The presiding judge gave Owatonna the win.
“When you get to Round 5, we face really strong competition,” said adviser Jason Berghorst.
“It was obviously very close, and our kids did a fine job. Sometimes the other team’s arguments or performance just appeals to one judge more, and that’s what happened in Round 5. I was proud of our kids’ efforts in the final trial and throughout the season.”
The same tie-breaking heartbreak occurred last year, ending the 2022 winning season with one loss, removing the chance to attend the state tournament.
Weather, courtroom and judge availability allowed only one of the five mock trial rounds for Luverne to be in-person. Four, including the team’s one loss, were completed virtually.
“That was a real disappointment for the kids,” Berghorst said. “They were resilient and still competed at a high level and did their best, but really regret that only half of our team (the defense side) was able to compete in-person this season.”
The Luverne team consists of seniors Mallory Von Tersch, Ross Bergman, Parker Carbonneau, Jadyn Hart, Ella Lanoue; juniors Roselynn Hartshorn, Cassi Chesley, Hallie Bork; sophomores Xavier McKenzie, Adam Ask, Keaton Ahrendt, Eli McLendon, Makayla Oechsle; freshmen Tyler Hodge, Zander Carbonneau and Nicole Areualo.
Jeff Haubrich returned as the team’s attorney coach.
He said the LHS students assist one another to learn the rules of the courtroom and make the necessary adjustments as a team.
“All parents should be proud of the work their kids put in,” Haubrich said. “They are all very busy and yet they still find the time and energy to put into our mock trial team, one of the best around.”
Season wrap-up (4-1 record)
Round 1: Defense vs Lakeview, 239-220
Round 2: Plaintiff vs Hills-Beaver Creek, 238-223
Round 3: Defense vs Owatonna, 200-195
Round 4: Defense vs Northfield, 219-213
Round 5: Plaintiff vs Owatonna, 1-2 (judge’s decision)