In NC, Miami Finishes Top Three
The All-American Redirects, one of MMT's two developmental teams, placed third with a record of 5-2-1 at Duke University's Tobacco Road Invitational this past weekend. Jamaican Justice, MMT's second developmental team, finished with a record of 3-5.
"All-in-all, it was one of the most successful weekends we've had yet," said Redirects co-captain Henry Leaman, who won an outstanding attorney award with a perfect twenty ranks. "We had been improving all year long and it was a perfect end to the semester."
Imokhai Okolo, a first-year Redirects competitor from Akron, OH, also won an outstanding attorney award.
The All-American Redirects started the tournament with a sweep of perennial mock trial powerhouse Harvard. They would fail to sweep another round, going 3-2-1 in their next three trials, but the sweep in round one would provide them enough ballots to take home third place out of a field of 24. Coaches Laura Tholke and Jaime Glinka look to further exploit the team's natural talents over winter break. If the Redirects are capable of stringing together a successful second semester, they may challenge the Class of 2014's rookie team as one of Miami's best developmental squads in recent memory.
All-American Redirects competitors Imokhai Okolo and Henry Leaman after winning outstanding attorney awards at the Tobacco Road Invitational.
It was the best showing yet for Dan Herron's Jamaican Justice. With the coaching assistance of veteran competitors Alex Block and Brandon Patterson, the team showed an enthusiasm and poise that went previously untapped.
"We really grew as a team this weekend," said rookie Jamaican Justice competitor Oliver Zoellner. "We overcome some of the mental issues that were holding us back."
After going 1-5 through the first three trials, Jamaican Justice finished strong with a +8, +15 sweep of Northwestern University in the final round.
For Miami's two developmental teams, Duke was the last tournament of the semester. The teams will return to the circuit in January when they compete at Indiana University's Hoosier Hoedown.
SUMMARY
The All-American Redirects:
Record: 5-2-1 | CS: 15.5 | OCS: Unavailable | PD: +15 | Team #: 992
Coaches: Laura Tholke, Jaime Glinka
Competitors: Brooke Helton, Henry Leaman, Imokhai Okolo, Julia Luna, Kyle Denman, Lauren Coriell, Lisa Silshtut, Spencer Tacker
Jamaican Justice:
Record: 3-5 | CS: 13 | OCS: Unavailable | PD: -5 | Team #: 993
Coaches: Dan Herron, Alex Block, Brandon Patterson
Competitors: Adam Korn, Chelsea Appiah, Christine Ostrosky, Frances Djabatey, Katie O'Keeffe, Kayleigh Jackson, Oliver Zoellner, Richard Dent, Ryan Rugani, Zachary Stevens
Outstanding Attorneys:
Henry Leaman (∆ 20 Ranks)
Imokhai Okolo (π 18 Ranks)