Carthage Mock Trial wins second consecutive invitational tournament • �ǿմ�ý

Members of the fall 2025 Mock Trial Team.

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November 17, 2025 Michael Phegley

Carthage Mock Trial took first place at their second invitational tournament of the season.

The team competed at the Back to Normal Tournament hosted by Illinois State University the weekend of Nov. 14-16. Twenty-eight teams from across the Midwest competed.

Carthage Red: Grace Anderson ’26, Olivia Artman ’28, Brooklyn Friedel ’27, Marcus Lemons ’27, Katherine Long ’28, and Marcus Stubbs ’26. Carthage Red with their first place trophy.Carthage Red finished with a perfect 8-0 record by defeating the University of Missouri in the championship round. Olivia Artman ’28 won an Outstanding Attorney Award for Carthage Red, finishing with 19 out of a possible 20 ranks.

Carthage Black, which is comprised of entirely new competitors this season, continues to develop its skills and improve its competitive standing. Every member of both teams received rankings as either an attorney or witness throughout the tournament.

Carthage alumna Mary Sellmyer ’86 welcomed the team to the tournament during opening ceremonies on Friday night at the McLean County Courthouse. Ms. Sellmyer is the Law Library coordinator for McLean County and provided the team with breakfast on Sunday morning in preparation for the championship round. Her added support provided a general sense of energy toward both teams’ success. Her daughter, Lauren Sellmyer ’24, is also a Carthage graduate.

Members of the Mock Trial team with Mary Sellmyer '86 and Professor Michael Phegley. Members of the Mock Trial team enjoying breakfast with Mary Sellmyer ’86.Mock Trial is a simulation of a jury trial that occurs in the fictional jurisdiction of Midlands. As members of the Mock Trial team, students portray attorneys and witnesses. This year’s case is State of Midlands v. Charlie Martin. On April 6, 2025, reality television star Rob Armstrong died while attempting to complete a physically strenuous challenge while filming for Season 10 of The Saboteurs. Shortly thereafter, an indictment was returned by a Midlands grand jury, charging another contestant on the show, Charlie Martin, with murder and, as a lesser included charge, negligent homicide.

The teams compete at various tournaments throughout the season where the case is tried before actual judges and attorneys. Scores are based on performance, knowing the facts of the case, understanding case law, and the Rules of Evidence. The teams next compete at Lewis University Dec. 5-7.

This year’s team members are:

** Denotes Team Captains

Carthage Black

Abby Abbate ’27
Galadrial Barrett ’29**
Claudia Clare ’27
Dane Hagen ’27**
Maddy McHugh ’28
Oliver Prus ’27
Sophia Simpson ’27**
Lindsie Vasquez ’28
Sopfia Winterkorn ’27**

Carthage Red

Grace Anderson ’26**
Olivia Artman ’28
Brooklyn Friedel ’27
Marcus Lemons ’27
Katherine Long ’28
Marcus Stubbs ’26**

The team is coached by Professor Michael Phegley and Professor Margaret Zienkiewicz. Liv Higgins ’22 serves as an assistant coach. Janie Clifton ’28 also assists both teams as a non-competitor this season.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Carthage Mock Trial Team

For more information, contact:

Michael Phegley: Director, Mock Trial Program