Hillsdale College Mock Trial Team Places Second in Division at Nationals
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College Mock Trial’s “A” team ranked second in their division at the American Mock Trial Association’s National Championship Tournament held between April 14 to 16. The tournament was hosted by Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.
“This result if a product of our students’ hard work and dedication,” said Jonathan Church, Hillsdale’s mock trial coach. “This season was the most successful in the program’s 13-year history. To place second in our division after breaking into the national championship field for the first time last year demonstrates how hard the program has been working. Having a ‘B’ team consisting mostly of underclassmen at the tournament shows the program’s depth.”
Hillsdale College was one of only seven schools nationwide to qualify two teams to the AMTA National Championship Tournament. At the tournament, most of the judges were sitting judges and attorneys. In the Marcus Pohlmann Division, Hillsdale’s “A” team competed against the 2023 National Champions UCLA, as well as teams from Tufts University, the University of Florida, and Patrick Henry College. They had the highest strength of opponent of any team in their division.
“I feel honored to be a part of this experience and grateful for the support of our coaches,” said Caleb Sampson (‘24). “We’re excited by the team’s success this season and look forward to next year.”
The team’s performance adds to the growing number of accomplishments by Hillsdale College students and alumni in the legal profession. Nine Hillsdale College alumni have clerked for the Supreme Court of the United States in the last 25 years, including three during the 2021-2022 term. Three alumni currently sit on state supreme courts.
For photos of the Hillsdale mock trial team at Nationals, click here.