Luverne High School mock trial students made history last week when they competed in the state mock trial tournament from their homes in front of their computers
Dyan Ebert, current president of the Minnesota State Bar Association, who organizes the mock trial program, noted the historical significance of this year’s tournament.
“You will forever hold a very unique honor of having participated in the MSBA’s first virtual mock trial tournament,” she said.
“Your ability to pivot to this format has been nothing short of impressive, and I dare say my fellow attorneys and colleagues in the MSBA can learn from your experience and your willingness to accept and embrace the change that was forced on you this year.”
Instead of organizing in-person competitions at area courthouses, the 2020-21 season and the March 3-4 state tournament were completed using Zoom.
Ebert, a 1986 graduate of Luverne High School, spoke with students, parents and advisers during the virtual awards ceremony on YouTube March 4.
She recognized each of the 16 schools participating in the state tournament including Region 4 winner Luverne, which compiled a 5-0 regular season record.
After the tournament, Ebert (nee Carroll) was excited to see her hometown still represented at the state tournament. This year is LHS’ seventh-straight appearance.
“I must admit one of the first things I do is check to see if the Luverne team qualified,” she indicated by email. “It is also fun to review the team roster to see if I recognize any names — or know their parents.”
Ebert is an attorney with Quinlivan & Hughes in St. Cloud.
In the Youtube ceremony, Ebert also named the 32 students who earned all-state attorney and all state witness recognition at the event.
Chance Tunnissen and Luke Thorson earned the attorney and witness awards respectively for Luverne.
The all-state awards are based on judges’ scores after each round of state competition.
This year’s case is “Payton Knox vs. Nixon Lodge Catering Inc.”
Tunnissen, a junior, is one of the three attorneys on the plaintiff team. He cross-examined the defense witness Bobby Stuart and directed the questioning of Jordon Knox, mother of the plaintiff Payton Knox.
Thorson, also a junior, portrayed the witness Payton Knox, whose wedding was affected by the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions placed on the large event by Nixon Lodge Catering. In dispute was the contract signed between the two parties.
“I think our performances at the three state trials were our best performances of the year,” said LHS adviser Jason Berghorst.
“The level of experience and preparation that we faced while competing against three metro schools is always an eye opener, but our students responded very well.”
Luverne compiled a 1-2 record at the state tournament. Its defense opened Round 1 with a morning match March 3 against Benilde-St. Margaret High School and lost the round 360 to 341.
The afternoon round against Lakeview North High School had the LHS plaintiff team losing 361 to 335.
A win came during the morning and final round March 4 against Woodbury East Ridge High School. LHS plaintiff team earned a 328-318 victory.
“Our comfort level with the virtual competitions increased throughout the season,” Berghorst said.
“It was good to end this very unique season on a high note by facing great competition and representing our small school very well at the statewide level.”
Eagle Ridge Academy, Minnetonka, won the 35th annual tournament over Apple Valley High School. Eagle Ridge will represent Minnesota at the virtual National High School Mock Trial Competition in May.