Back to Back Invitationals Highlight Improving Program

Durham, NC—Over the weekend of November 19th and 20th, UTC Mock Trial’s Blue Team, along with coaches’ Michael Giglio, Stephanie Fast, and Erika Hyde finished 3 rd overall at Duke University’s prestigious Tobacco Road Invitational Tournament. This complete team effort, the best invitational finish in program history was sparked by a 4-0 first day, which saw the Mocs ranked first in the tournament.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity to be able to compete in the same tournament with some of the top programs in the country,” said team captain Zeke Starr. “It’s always a great feeling to be able to go toe-to- toe with teams like Duke or Washington and Lee and come out on top.”

After splitting their final round against 2nd place Richmond, the Mocs finished the tournament 6-2, overcoming their pre-tournament 23 rd place ranking to finish 3rd out of 26 teams. The team’s dominant effort was highlighted by captain Zeke Starr’s perfect score for the defense, and his two outstanding attorney awards, one for each side of the case.

UTC mock trial was coming off a successful showing at MTSU’s invitational tournament the week before, with Blue team finishing 5-3, and Gold team following at 3-3- 2. Both teams begin preparations for another successful run at Regionals in February, with an eye on a return to the Opening Round Championship series in the Spring.