Sturm College of Law National Trial Teams Sweep Regionals

For the Second Year the National Trial Team Earns Top Spots at the National Trial Competitions Regional Championship

In early February 2021, the Sturm College of Law’s National Trial Team swept Region XIII of the National Trial Competition Regional Tournament, capturing first and second places. The exceptional performances of 3L students Phillip Meinkoth, Rebekah Nickel, Justin Vanderveer and Brandon Olsen earned them the chance to compete at the National Competition. This is not the first time these students have earned such a victory: in 2020, these teams won first and second places at Region XIII of the National Trial Competition Regional Championships in Seattle, Washington. They showed their adaptability, performing in a remote online setting, demonstrating their unwavering skills.

Once again, Meinkoth and Nickel did not lose a single ballot throughout the entire tournament. They have now competed through two years of the National Trial Competition Regional Tournament and not lost a ballot.

Their coaches — David Schott, professor and director for the Center for Advocacy; adjunct faculty member Chris Wilcox; and William Bode — will guide the seasoned team to the National Championships. Congratulations to our formidable Trial Team competitors — we will be rooting for you at Nationals.