Mock Trial claims 7th place at Wheeling Warm-Up tournament

I’Aria Blackmon, Ania Gwarda and Maddie Lane

Jan 28, 2025

Mock Trial medaled at their first in-person competition of the year, taking seventh from the competitive 20 team field. Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Ricky King

The Mock Trial team opened its season with a 7th-place finish at the Wheeling Wildcat Warm-Up Tournament on Jan. 25. The Ironmen earned a trophy in its first appearance at the event, finishing among the top-eight teams from the field of 20 competitors.

Mr. Ricky King, one of the team’s coaches, called the competition a major accomplishment, as the Iron went head-to-head against some of the top teams in the state.

Community competed against powerhouse programs including Maine South, Stevenson, Niles and Hinsdale Central, all state finalists in the past five years.

The Iron’s success was highlighted by standout performances from Jack Tomlinson, Aswini Kake and Vidushi Shukla. Tomlinson earned an award as an Outstanding Attorney, while Kake and Shukla took home medals as Outstanding Witnesses.

Community’s case this season, simulating a real courtroom proceeding where participants take on roles as lawyers and witnesses, centers on a high school student’s accidental fentanyl consumption at a party, challenging participants’ legal and analytical skills.

The team now turns its attention to Feb. 1, when they host the Normal Community Mock Trial Invitational.

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