SMU’S newly founded mock trial team advanced to the national competition following its performance in the regional competition in Ogden, Utah. The Mustangs were confident going in, but they underestimated the strength of previous year’s champions. University of Colorado at Boulder, one of the stronger opponents, stood in the way of SMU’s advancement, but Mustangs persevered. After the first round, they regrouped and utilized the 250 hours of practice behind them and the team spirit.

And it paid off.

“I don’t know if this team has ever competed here before, and if they have it was fifty years ago but also advancing to the Florida semi-nationals is team 516, Southern Methodist University,” the competition announcer said when announcing the teams to advance.

SMU was nominated as the American Trial Association’s best newcomer team in the nation. Also, awarded were the outstanding achievement awards to the top 10 attorneys and top 10 witnesses of which SMU took two of each. Top attorneys were Jay Bishop for the plaintiff and Lauren Leahy for the defense. Top witnesses were Cammy Rose and Lauren Leahy.

SMU placed seventh in the mountain regional competition and advanced to the national tournament.

The national tournament is March 11 through 13 and the national championship tournament is April 8 through the 10.