Published October 13, 2014
The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Mock Trial teams recently competed in the
Jackson Joust at Mississippi College in Jackson, Miss. ULM sent three teams to the
competition—a Gold, Maroon, and White team—to compete against Millsaps College and
Mississippi College.
The Gold Team took second, with a 3-1 record. Adam Nettles, a sophomore political
science major from Pineville, received “Best Attorney recognition,” and Kalee Hall,
a junior political science major from Minden, received “Best Witness” recognition.
The Gold Team led all teams in the number of points scored during the competition.
Also receiving individual recognitions for their achievements were Blair Richardson,
a senior political science major from Olla; Alexsis McDonald, a sophomore political
science major from Shreveport; Allena Wiggers, a junior Finance major from Winnsboro;
and John Price, a senior political science major from West Monroe.
The Gold Team was led by attorneys Adam Nettles, Cheyenne Wilson, Olivia Sage, and
Raya Boyte. Rounding out the Gold Team and competing as witnesses were Sarah Hayes,
Kalee Hall, Blair Richardson, Jacob Evans, and Gabriel Silva.
The Maroon Team was led by attorneys Gary Blaylock, Natalie Enterkin, Connor McCain,
Allena Wiggers, and Charles Dupree. The Maroon Team witnesses were Dakota Hawkins,
John Price, Ashleigh Warren, Allie Moore, Sharmaine Tramble, and Courtnie Pollard.
The ULM Maroon team finished fourth.
The White Team was led by attorneys Alexsis McDonald and Lanie Roussel. The ULM White
team finished sixth.
The squads are coached by attorneys Robert Noel and Kyle Moore. “I’m very proud of
these students,” says Noel, “Their success reflects the amount of time they have dedicated
to studying the case materials, familiarizing themselves with legal procedure, and
rehearsing with their witnesses and each other. The work ethic of this group is tremendous,
as is their talent.”
The Gold and Maroon teams have been invited to compete in the Mid-South Invitational
Mock Trial Tournament hosted by Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro,
Tenn., on Nov. 14-16, and the Regional tournament hosted by the American Mock Trial
Association (AMTA) in February.
ULM is the only four-year public university in the state of Louisiana that has fielded
an active AMTA-affiliated mock trial team for the last three consecutive years. ULM’s
Mock Trial Team was founded by attorney Robert Noel, with assistance from ULM political
science professors Dr. Joshua Stockley and Dr. John Sutherlin.
“By engaging in mock trial competitions with teams from other universities, students
develop the critical thinking and critical speaking skills, as well as the knowledge
of actual legal procedures, that are required to be successful in law school, graduate
school, or even life” says Stockley.
The American Mock Trial Association was founded in 1985 and is the governing body
for intercollegiate mock trial competition. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level
competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic
use.
Presently, AMTA hosts 24 regional tournaments, eight opening round championship tournaments,
and a national championship tournament each season. Approximately 600 teams from over
350 universities and colleges will compete in these tournaments.
“I’m very proud of what our students have been able to accomplish,” said Sutherlin.
“At ULM we do not limit our education inside of the classrooms; rather we create active
and engaged opportunities for learning outside of the classroom as well.”
