Baby MockHawks Spread Their Wings at Michigan State
Baby Badasses Prove They Are More Than Just A Name
The Baby Badasses regroup during a court recess. The first year competitors fared well far from the confines of Farmer School of Business.
Unlike the past year with the James Lewis Mock Trial Program, Team #1078, Miami’s “Baby” Developmental Team was pushed out of its nest only five weeks into the season, and sent to compete at Michigan State College of Law in beautiful East Lansing, Michigan. The 10 competitors were nervous, but also confident in their preparation; after all they had been coached by AMTA Hall of Fame Coach Dan Herron and Double All-American Alex Block. They had also had numerous scrimmages with Miami C during those short five weeks and MMT's top two teams were rooting them on. But this story isn't about who stayed behind in Oxford, or who sat in the gallery. It's about those 10 first year mockers that sought to continue the tradition of excellence and fought for Love and Honor.
Day 1: A Tough Road Ahead
The Baby Team’s arrival in Michigan was fraught with nerves, but also excitement. "It's a great experience getting out to a tournament and representing Miami" Captain Sydney Scribner said, "The competition is tough, but we're ready for them".
They needed to be ready – for their first match the Baby Badasses would face an intimidating Eastern Michigan A, who made waves at numerous invitationals tournaments last year. In their very first round of their Miami Mock Trial careers, the Babies swept the veteran Eastern Michigan team with differences of +9 and +14.
#1078 tabled by Sydney Scribner, Austin Worrell, Bella Seesberg, and Cristina Morales. Also pictured in blue, Tarah Mason, and in grey, Addison Caruso
Coming off two ballots, the Baby Badasses prepared for their next round. "From what we've gathered, defense now has to take the other 'hot' teams," said Reese Wells, who would have to advocate for the defense as an opener in round two. Reese, along with Tarah Mason and Jay Kranzdorf, would have to table a defense bench against The Ohio State University squad. This was not the OSU that made waves in Hamiliton and Orlando last year, but rather, a freshman team, coached by none other than MMT Alumunus, Alexandra Pickerill.
The two Ohioans split with each other, leaving OSU and Miami sitting at 3-1 going into the second day of competition. "We fought hard, and OSU presented a very clean case. I hope we see them later in the year on the opposite side to settle the score," Captain Austin Worrell told his teammates after the round.
Day 2: Hitting the Hillsdale Chargers
Sunday morning brought a challenge from Hillsdale A. Even with Miami using the defense case that had stood against OSU the previous day, Miami dropped both ballots. Eager to bounce back in the afternoon, they found themselves against Hillsdale B, but were unable to overcome their losing streak, and drop both ballots, ending the weekend with a record of 3-5.
"Ultimately, it's the beginning of the season, and we're grateful for a chance to get out there and explore our strengths and weaknesses," freshman Chase Shelton reported.
The new MockHawks will have time to reflect and gather their thoughts, and in two weeks, they will head to Columbus, Ohio, for the Scarlet and Grey Invitational accompanied by Miami’s C Team, #1077.
The Baby Badasses:
Record: 3-5 | CS: X | OCS: X | PD: X | Team #: 1078
Coaches: Dan Herron, Alex Block
Competitors: Sydney Scribner, Bella Seesburg, Chase Shelton, Adam Myers, Austin Worell, Jay Kranzdorf, Reese Wells, Tarah Mason, Addison Caruso, Cristina Morales