Algonquin Resident Starts 2012 With Noteable Achievements in Mock Trial Competitions

The Lewis University Mock Trial teams finished 2011 on a strong note. Lewis A team competed in the 16th Annual Yale Invitational in Connecticut, while the B team finished solid at the St. Francis Midwest Challenge Invitational in Joliet. Cary Hansing of Algonquin is on the Lewis University Mock Trial team.

Facing some of the best teams in the nation, the Lewis team earned 11th place out of 40 teams at Yale. The Lewis A team was placed in the A bracket. They started the competition by winning against Florida University in the first round. Lewis split the win with Harvard University's A team in the second round. It followed it up by winning against Georgetown University A team. Lewis lost the final match up against Penn State University A team.

Lewis University student Michael Park of River Forest also earned individual honors for the third consecutive year. He ranked in third place. Only the top five individuals were honored, unlike other competitions that honor the top ten. Otherwise, Kevin Whelehan of Alsip and Martell Khattab of Chicago would have been honored.

Lewis A team members include: Liucija Balciunaite of Homer Glen, Martell Khattab, Sara Morgan of Albertville, Minn., Cassandra Myers of Huntley, Michael Park, Nicole Tucker of Phoenix, Ariz., Tiffany Wasilewski of Ottawa and Kevin Whelehan.

Strong showings by Lewis continued at the St Francis Midwest Challenge Invitational. The Lewis B team finished eighth. They were only two ballots behind the winner, University of Illinois- Urbana and one ballot behind second place Loyola University. Lewis C team, missing a key player, placed 13th in the field. Two members of the Lewis B team, David DeSchepper of St. John, Ind., and Ron Jovi Ramirez of Lakemoor alternated to fill in the gap. Cary Hansing of Algonquin and Vanessa Reynoso of Des Plaines were the top ranked individuals, both narrowly missing Outstanding Witness Awards.

Lewis B team members include: Megan Arehart of New Lenox, Natosha Burton of Aurora, David DeSchepper, Lena Hallaj of St. Charles, Cary Hansing, Michael Noe of Minooka, Ron Jovi Ramirez, Joshua Rehak of Dekalb and Danielle Volk of Homewood. Lewis C team members include: Mary Bradley of Palos Heights, Vilius Butauskas of Burr Ridge, Kelly Casey of Romeoville, Brianna Diaz of Joliet, Vanessa Reynoso of Des Plaines and Anthony Scorzo of Bloomingdale.

The team starts off the second half of the season Jan. 21-22 as it competes in the Alumni Invitational at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Information provided by Lewis University.