Regional tournament success for Mock Trial
The teams ended their season strong, with two students in particular being recognized.
February 17, 2025
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Both the green and white Ohio University Mock Trial teams delivered a strong closing statement to their season; both teams took home a handful of wins and awards at the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) regional tournament. The tournament was held at the University of Dayton Law School Feb. 1-2.
The students showed mastery over both sides of the case, scoring victories over Bellarmine, Dayton and Northern Kentucky. They competed in eight trials throughout the weekend, delivering testimony as witnesses and conducting cross and direct examinations. They also provided opening and closing arguments to panels of judges.
Katie Buschle, a sophomore majoring in sociology with a certificate in Law, Justice & Culture, and Ava Poling, a junior majoring in political science pre-law with a certificate in Law, Justice & Culture, were recognized as outstanding attorneys for their performances; they acted as opener for the plaintiff and closer for the defense, respectively. Poling’s perfect first place distinction in both trials placed her as the highest-ranking attorney in the competition.
Ava Poling, left, and Katie Buschle, right, with their awards in front of Joseph E. Keller Hall (University of Dayton's law school) in Dayton, Ohio.
“I am honored to receive this award," Poling said. "I'm even more grateful for an amazing team, the friendships I’ve made, and the journey we’ve shared this season!”
“I’m so thankful and lucky to have been able to compete with the best group of people this weekend!" Buschle said regarding her performance. "Special thanks to Karmen Kirker and Noah Kiel for being such supportive teammates.”
Team members found support and feedback from Ohio University alumna Leah Wolfe (BA '07), Micaela Beatham Garcia (B.A., '22) and Ellen Whitehair (B.A., '22) who are all third year students at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and former competitors for OHIO Mock Trial. They volunteered their time to review materials and judge inter-team scrimmages.
“It was so rewarding to return to give back to Ohio University’s amazing mock trial program that I benefited so immensely from as an undergraduate student,” Beatham-Garcia said. “Mock Trial was integral to my decision to attend law school and gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to be a successful law student.”
The team is coached by Larry Hayman , director of OHIO's legal engagement and pre-law program and Ashley Johnson, Esq., Assistant Athens County Prosecutor and assistant mock trial coach.