After a successful run 3-1 at the Pitt Mock Trial Tournament, Tyrone’s A Mock Trial team finished district competition with a 1-2 record and once again short of the post-season. After a tough loss to Huntingdon and a convincing win against Forest Hills, Tyrone came up short in their final trial against Altoona A.

“The bad news is we lost another close trial.  Unfortunately, that seems to happen to us a lot.  But the good news is we lost a close trial to a team that is historically one of the best in the state,” said faculty adviser Todd Cammarata.

Tyrone was tasked with defending Taylor Edsel, also know as Tyrone senior Makayla Ritchey, on the charge of arson in the first degree.  It was clear from the outset that the trial would be close. Both team’s attorneys were well-versed in trial rules and proceedings, and the witnesses truly became their characters.

In the end, the jury ruled 4-2 in favor of the prosecution. A testament to how close the trial really was, on two of the ballots that Tyrone lost on, a two point swing could have given them the victory.

Senior witness Makayla Ritchey and Junior attorney Chloe Makdad were presented the best witness and advocate awards, respectively.

Despite falling short of the post-season once again, the team still has a lot they can be proud of. From individual awards to team accomplishments, it is easy to say that, even with the disappointing outcome, the year was full of successes.

“We lose some very talented seniors this year. They are such a great bunch of students to work with and I will really miss all of them.  But on the flip side, with the addition of a B team this year, we will return a lot of experience and hope to be even better next year.  Our goal is to win our region next season,” said Cammarata.

This year’s A-team was comprised of Seniors Paige Umholtz, Hilari Parsons, Makayla Ritchey, Riean Minnich, and Haley Butina and Juniors Zack Webster, Chloe Makdad, Molly Harris, and Grayson Putt.