Holy Cross Earns Top Distinctions at Yale Invitational Mock Trial Tournament

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross participated in the Yale Invitational Mock Trial Tournament at Yale University November 8 - 9, 2002, earning five top distinctions.

This year four Holy Cross Mock Trial teams were invited to participate in the annual competition. With 62 teams competing, this is the most competitive invitational tournament in the country.

Holy Cross finished the tournament with two team awards. The South Team, captained by junior John O'Donnell was one of only two teams to finish undefeated. They went 5-0 in the tournament, defeating Brown in their last trial. After completing a trial off, which was judged using a deferential scoring method, the team was awarded a trophy for third place. The East Team, co-captained by sophomores Adam Zybulewski and Ruth Demeter, finished in fifth place.

Among individual award winners was John O'Donnell who won a top award as both an attorney and as a witness. Freshman Liz Letak was also presented an award as one of the top attorneys in the competition.

Holy Cross Mock Trial began in 1997. They are led by educating coaches Ed McDermott '79 and Carey Smith '79, partners in the Worcester law firm of Morrison, Mahoney, & Miller; and Scott Sandstrom, Holy Cross pre-law advisor and economics professor.