Expectations were high for Tyrone’s Mock Trial A Team this season. Only losing two members to graduation, the experienced group was hoping to become the first team in the nine year history of the program to move on to the next round of the competition to seek a district title and a place in the state competition.

“The students have been very committed this season and person for person this is probably the strongest team we’ve ever had,” said faculty adviser Todd Cammarata.

The road to fulfilling that dream began on Tuesday night, when Tyrone argued as the prosecution against Huntingdon’s defense. However, that dream came to a halt at the Cambria County Courthouse, when, at the conclusion of the trial, the jury ruled in favor of the defense.

The case of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Taylor Edsel was tried in front of a jury made up of four Cambria County attorneys. Both attorneys and witnesses are evaluated for their performance on direct and cross examinations as well as opening and closing arguments.

From the start, Tyrone showed their knowledge of both the case and courtroom procedures. Attorneys Haley Butina, Molly Harris, and Chloe Makdad had strong lines of questioning and showcased their understanding of the law by raising valid objections and admitting substantial evidence. Witnesses Grayson Putt, Paige Umholtz, and Riean Minnich portrayed their characters believably and held up under the pressure of opposing counsel’s cross examination.

“It was clear throughout the trial that we knew a lot,” Butina said, “I think we were well-versed in the rules and proceedings of the mock trial competition.”

At the conclusion of the trial, the four-member jury was split, with two ruling in favor of Tyrone and the other two ruling for Huntingdon. The tie breaker came down to tallying the total points each team scored across all four ballots.

Tyrone lost by one point.

“The loss was definitely disappointing, but it still doesn’t take away from all of the hard-work we put in,” said Harris. “I still consider this season to be a success.”

Though it was little consolation, junior attorney Chloe Makdad and senior witness Paige Umholtz were awarded the best advocate and best witness awards by their opposition.

Barring a miracle, this trial will be the conclusion of the careers of Umholtz and fellow senior prosecution witness Riean Minnich.

“I have been so blessed to spend four seasons with my amazing teammates,” said Umholtz. “Though the loss stings, and its saddening knowing that its my last trial, I can’t help but feel joy for the memories that we have shared.”

Minnich added, “I will be honest I was a little apprehensive going into Mock Trial, but as I got to work closer with the team we really became a family.”

Tyrone will wrap up their season on February 8th, arguing as the defense in a rematch of last year’s “Steve Harvey Trial” against Altoona A. The trial is open to the public and will take place at 6 pm at the Blair County Courthouse.

Tyrone’s brand new “B” team will be in action on Monday at 6:00 pm at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg.  This trial is also open to the public.