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For Jeremy Rossmann and the Menlo School Mock Trial Team, this weekend is like the Super Bowl.
Menlo School will represent San Mateo County in the Mock Trial state finals in Riverside, Calif., competing against 34 teams.
The team managed to beat its long time rivals at Hillsdale High School in February by 0.04 percent in a tie-breaker, making it the closest match in the program’s 25 year history.
“Point for point out of 800 points, we tied,” said Rossmann, a Palo Alto resident and the team’s defense attorney, who was awarded was awarded “best trial attorney” in the San Mateo County competition.
He said that the team is successful because its members have put in hours of work to achieve this victory. Unlike other competitive programs at the school, the Mock Trial Team has been competing since September.
This time is often spent studying law. He said the subtleties found in each case make even the same case play out in different ways. To prepare for the competition, the Mock Trial Team has been practicing on weekends and every other night with parent volunteers and other teachers. They have also received the support of people who work in the industry, including fire marshals and local lawyers.
“We’re working hard at peeling it apart,” he said.
Menlo School has offered the team its full support. The administration has offered financial assistance as well as the support of other teachers and volunteers. There have also been assemblies in their honor.
“The Menlo Mock Trial Team gets the respect sports teams do,” Rossmann said.
Menlo School faculty adviser Dan Devitt has been involved with the team since he formed it eight years ago. He wanted the program to combine academics, law and a competitive spirit.
“I essentially had to build the team up myself,” he said.
People should not underestimate the academics of the program, he added. Many past members of the team have gone on to Ivy League schools, including Dartmouth College.
“As a teacher, I want to see kids use their minds,” he said.
The winning team will move on to the National Mock Trial competition in Atlanta, Ga. There will also be individual awards for such categories as best trial and best witness.
“We’re starting a Menlo dynasty,” Rossmann said.
Congratulations to the Menlo Team. Hours of hard brain work to understand the nuances of this year’s case. Hats off to the coaches for endless hours of teaching and mentoring. Overall, an impressive bunch. Good luck in Riverside!
Extraordinary success! The Menlo team earned third place. This was only their second time at States. An awesome group of high school students.