Political Science - News and Events

The WKU Mock Trial program took advantage of the six week winter break to to prepare for the upcoming tournament season. Two teams from the Western Kentucky University Mock Trial program attended the Mid-Missouri Invitational in Columbia, Missouri on January 18th and 19th. The tournament was cohosted by Columbia College and the University of Missouri at the University of Missouri School of Law. WKU’s A team had a record of 4-4 in their third tournament of the season with a win over Indiana University and splits with Washington University in Saint Louis and Missouri University.

WKU’s C team also attended and finished with a record of 2-6 with a win over Loyola University-Chicago. In their first ever invitational, WKU C played tough, competitive rounds throughout the tournament. “From here we need to focus on practicing the rules of evidence and making objections,” said Sumeja Hrnjic. “If we do that, we should be in a pretty good spot for Regionals.”

The following week two teams attended the Crimson Classic invitational in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on January 25th and 26th. The tournament was hosted by the University of Alabama. WKU’s A team had a record of 3-4-1 with wins over the University of Alabama’s B and C teams. Team Captain Asha McWilliams won her second Outstanding Attorney award of the season. Ms. McWilliams said after the tournament that despite a lower than expected final record, she felt confident about the team heading into the spring semester.

WKU’s B team also attended the tournament and finished with a 3-5 record with splits against Kennesaw State University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Alabama. Lily Harvey won her second straight Outstanding Witness award for her portrayal of the defendant, Jordan Ryder. “We’ve placed ourselves in the best position to do our best at the regional tournament,” said Team Captain Nathaniel Krantz. “I’m proud of the team for their strong showing this weekend.”

Up next: All three teams have wrapped up the invitational season. WKU A and B will compete at their regional tournament in Louisville, Kentucky on February 22nd and 23rd. WKU’s C team will compete in the Dayton, OH, regional tournament on February 15th and 16th.