Woosters Moot Court Team impressive once again at national level
February 1, 2010
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The College of Woosters Moot Court team once again distinguished itself at the national level with an impressive showing at the American Collegiate Moot Court Association (ACMA) Tournament, which was held Jan. 15-16 at Florida International University College of Law in Miami.
Seniors Shane Legg and Claire Burgess, who captured the regional championship in November, were equally strong at nationals, finishing among the final four in Oral Argument. Shane and Claire took us back to the final four, marking the third time in four years that a Wooster team has made it to the ACMA Final Four, said Mark Weaver, professor of political science and coach of Woosters Moot Court team.
Burgess noted that the support from other team members was vital to their success. They were with us, watching our arguments every step of the way, she said. The confidence they gave us was tremendous. We would not have gone as far as we did without them.
In addition to Legg and Burgess, junior Willem Daniel and senior Thomas Loughead made it to the Sweet 16, while the teams of junior Alan Van Runkle and senior Alexa Roggenkamp, and first-year Rachel Shonebarger and sophomore Jacob Sklar advanced to the Round of 32.
Individually, three Wooster participants finished among the Top Orators: Legg, was seventh; Shonebarger was ninth; and Sklar was 17th. Seven other Wooster students also took part in the national tournament: juniors Mark Burgin and Natalie Noyes; sophomores John Carter and Cassandra Zavis; senior Kevin Whalen and junior Michael Walton; and sophomore Ramsey Kincannon, who was part of a hybrid team with Geoff Byrne of Denison.
After the tournament, several Wooster students reflected on the value of the experience, including Zavis, who said, Moot Court Nationals was a culmination of a semester-long journey toward learning how to present a comprehensive argument, and read and understand Supreme Court cases. Most importantly, it helped me to gain confidence in myself and put trust in my abilities and those of my partner. Sklar added, It was a wonderful learning experience, while Walton said, As a prospective law student, the experience gained at the national tournament far surpasses anything that can be gained in a classroom.
Weaver was pleased with the approach his students took to the competition. I am extremely proud of our team this year, particularly how hard they worked to prepare, how well they handled the pressures of national competition, and how members of the team supported one another through the entire process.
