The University of Portland Mock Trial Team took two squads to the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament in Boise, Idaho, over the weekend of February 7-8. Out of 19 teams competing, UP placed second with a 6-2 record, and placed ninth (top honorable mention) with a 4-4 record, according to coach Aaron Johnson, political science. The team’s second place finish ensures a spot at the Opening Round National Championship tournament scheduled to be held in Chicago, Illinois, on March 20-22.
The UP team also brought home four individual awards: Nicolas Barradas, senior and captain (pictured), was awarded the top attorney award at the tournament with a perfect score. Freshman Jacque Nelson received an outstanding attorney award, and freshman Ariana Ebesu took home an award for top witness with a perfect score, and freshman Kathryn Murdock also received an outstanding witness award.
Team members are Nic Barradas, Emma England, Mackenna Krohn, London Ballard, Triton Pitassi, Emily Strand, Kathryn Murdock, Katherine Miller, Edward Richter, Jacque Nelson, Natalie Hagen, Ethan McBride, Will Gunnels, Ariana Ebesu, and Chastin Kekahuna. Assistant coaches are Kathya Acuna and Jeremiah Swisher.
–Story from UPbeat