Mock trial team wins states

Central High School's mock trial team was on Cloud 9 Saturday.

The team, one of 12 finalists in the statewide mock trial championship, came away with first prize and is preparing for May's national contest in Georgia.

"This will be the biggest trial we've ever been in," said senior Abby Kreider.

Central's mock trial team won the state title by going up against Overbrook High School of Philadelphia. Overbrook won the state championship in 2008, 2004 and 1997.

"I think some people were most nervous before the trial ... but I was the most nervous waiting for the verdict," Kreider said.

News of the win spread quickly to Blair County where local leaders, police officers, fire departments and others formed a motorcade early Saturday night to greet and escort the team as it returned from Harrisburg.

"I'm very proud of them," said Martinsburg Mayor Don Greenleaf.

Ryan Blazure of Kingston, chairman of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division and co-chairman of the statewide mock trial executive, praised Central's students "for demonstrating outstanding teamwork and the excellent communication and analytical skills needed to win this year's championship."

Central coach Brad Heuston attributed success to team effort and a competitive schedule.

"We had a really difficult schedule at the beginning of the year ... but I think it paid off," Heuston said.

Team member Leah Stiles, a senior, said she and her teammates were on pins and needles waiting to hear who won.

"I think we knew [it] was attainable ... but we were very excited to hear it," Stiles said.

Pennsylvania's mock trial competition is one of the largest in the nation, according to the bar association.

This year, 316 teams from 267 high schools in the state entered district and regional contests. Twelve teams, including Central's, qualified for the state championship that began Friday with quarterfinals, then continued Saturday with semi-finals and finals.

In the semi-final round, Central's team won over Woodland Hills High School of Allegheny County.

The Pennsylvania Cable Network recorded the final round of the contest, for airing at 7 p.m. April 3, 5 p.m. April 4 and 3 p.m. April 5. The network also sells copies of its programs.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.