This past weekend, Central’s Mock Trial team won fifth place in their nationals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“This year we performed outstandingly. We came into the year having lost five seniors and thinking that the loss would bring us down. We were told by past students that it would be a rebuilding year, but we rose up to the challenge and actually did better at nationals than last year,” said Greer Harrison, junior and Mock Trial member.

This type of achievement is not unusual for Central’s Mock Trial team, which is sponsored by Mr. Chris Freiler, social studies teacher. The team has gone to nationals, and placed in the top ten, in 2009, 2010, and 2012. In 2010 the team placed second.

In order to achieve this, Mock Trial members have to be extremely dedicated to their work.  The team begins the season in October with hour and a half long practices Monday though Thursday. After winter break they practice three hours a day in preparation for state in late march. By the time Nationals comes around, the team is practicing 4 hours a day, according to Zach Wong, sophomore and Mock Trial member.

“Two team members last year quit school sports. I know people in the past have done that as well,” Wong said.

“For most of the team, it’s almost like a sport because we put all of our time and energy into mock trial,” Harrison said.

Nationals are particularly difficult not only because of the level and scope of competition, but also because of the shorter time frame for preparation.

“Nationals is much more challenging, but much more fun. The case is four times the size, and we have about a fourth of the time to prepare for it as we did for state,” Harrison said.

In addition to the time commitment for Nationals preparation, many Mock Trial members have to forgo things like AP tests and prom in order to be at the completion.

“Last year, our seniors couldn’t go to prom because nationals was that weekend. Last week and this week are very hard for us because of APs. A lot of the members don’t study as much as we’d like to prepare for AP tests. We deal with it by putting mock trial first.” Wong said.

Overall, however, Mock Trial members don’t regret the time commitment and sacrifice that the team demands.

“Mock Trial has truly defined my high school career and has shaped the way I look at things today. It has been the focus of my school year since freshman year, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. It can be tough sometimes, but it’s definitely worth it,” Harrison said.