Back Row: B. Clodfelter, N. Linsley, N. Baker, T. Heffron, T. Walraven, L. Franck, D. Ramaeker
Front Row: E. Murra, S. Staton, C. McDonald, M. Graves.

The Knoxville High School’s Mock Trial team qualified for the state tournament for the second straight year in 2018.

Knoxville defeated Des Moines East 120-77 and Des Moines Lincoln 118-109 to secure their spot at state presenting a criminal case involving a defendant charged with arson, robbery, and murder. Named to the All-District first team at the regional competition were Nyan Baker, Cade McDonald, Samara Staton and Lane Frank, and Tierney Heffron, Daniel Ramaeker and Nash Linsley were named Honorable Mention All-District Competitors. Marion County District Attorney and Coach for the Team Ed Bull tells KNIA/KRLS News said he was impressed with the team’s overall performance.

“These kids are great mock trialers, but they are also well rounded young men and women. Unlike some schools where kids only do mock trial, KHS students do it all. They are balancing school work, athletics, speech and debate, and the school musical, while also finding time to practice mock trial. It has been a joy to work with these students. They are each outstanding in many different areas. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least that some of them in the near future will be practicing real law inside a courtroom in the State of Iowa.”

Knoxville will compete March 26-28 in Des Moines for the State competition.