NEW GLARUS — The New Glarus High School Mock Trial team recently participated in its 22nd annual Regional competition, bringing their dedication, legal knowledge, and courtroom skills to the competitive arena once again. The team, composed of students who served as both attorneys and witnesses, put their months of preparation to the test as they competed against other high school teams from across southern Wisconsin.
Competing in a mock trial requires rigorous study and preparation. This year’s students mastered a manual with over 90 pages of rules and procedures, as well as 61 pages of witness statements, exhibits, and legal standards. Each team member was ready to present compelling arguments, question and cross-examine witnesses, and think quickly under pressure to adapt to unexpected developments in the trial.
The 2025 competition case was a fictional criminal prosecution centered around the mysterious death of Astor Rufflebottom, a competitive gamer who was found dead while attending a gaming tournament at the Hotel Clearwater. The accused, rival gamer M.J. Mossbridge, was entangled in a web of intrigue alongside Carne Mustard, a close friend of the victim; Carter Billy Jobs, the designer of the popular game Castledusk; and Taylor Blavins-Swift, a recruiter for a top eSports franchise. Adding to the complexity of the case, the murder weapon — an icepick belonging to renowned ice sculptor Coco — contained multiple fingerprints, making for a trial full of twists, conflicting testimony, and intense debate over reasonable doubt.
The competition involved student attorneys presenting their cases before a panel of three judges, who evaluated performances based on legal arguments, witness credibility, and courtroom decorum. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the New Glarus performed admirably, finishing 4th overall against many large school teams.
The mock trial team over the years has grown immensely, allowing New Glarus High School to field two teams. The “Varsity” team includes veteran mock trial members, with a few newer members as understudies. The prosecution lawyer team includes Abigail Biank, Emma Mondloch, Logan Schultz, and Nala Williams. Defense lawyers are Abigail Biank (preparing for both roles), Amalia Morrison, and Lauryn Arnett.
Prosecution witnesses are:
● Carne Mustard, played by Jackson Umhoefer
● Taylor Blavins-Swyft, played by Camryn Arnett
● Carter Billy Jobs, played by Cooper Julien
Defendant’s witnesses are:
● M.J. Mossbridge, played by Emma Mondloch and Claire Mondloch
● Coco, played by Camryn Arnett and Jenna Heil
● Adrian Stevie Gates, played by Patrick Sheridan
Violet Lounsbury is the Varsity time-keeper, an important role as each team is penalized if they exceed 40 minutes.
The “JV” team consists of veteran members and our many new members. The prosecution lawyer team is Nala Williams, Max Marty, and Linsy Benoy. Defense lawyers are Leah Missig, Grace LaFrance, and Abigail Cavanah.
Prosecution witnesses are:
● Carne Mustard, played by Jenna Heil
● Taylor Blavins-Swyft, played by Jonah Lutz and Claire Mondloch
● Carter Billy Jobs, played by Mya Clark
Defendant’s witnesses are:
● M.J. Mossbridge, played by Claire Mondloch
● Coco, played by Eliza Legris and Jenna Heil
● Adrian Stevie Gates, played by Alex Beal
The New Glarus Mock Trial team is coached by attorneys Katy Lounsbury and Jessica Garrity, and supported by New Glarus High School English teacher Patrick Porwoll. The team is further supported by generous financial donations from the Green County Bar Association and Boardman Clark.
The State Bar of Wisconsin has been running the Mock Trial program for over 30 years. In that time, many thousands of Wisconsin high school students have benefited from the rigors of preparing and trying realistic cases. It is part of the Bar’s public education program.
