On December 7th and 8th, the Rutgers University Mock Trial Association (“RUMTA”) competed at Ithaca College’s 6th Annual Bomber Blitz Tournament located in Ithaca, NY. RUMTA’s B-Team, won 2nd place at the tournament. The B-Team had a record of 6 wins and 2 losses. They competed against Washington and Jefferson College, Ithaca College, and Geneseo State College. Captain Ryan Ruffin won an Outstanding Attorney award with 18 ranks.
From right to left: Nandita Vasantha, Veronica Bido, Samarth Thakker, Margarita Weissman, Ryan Ruffin, Hasin Tasneem, Yosan Siele, Sami Marshak
Alongside RUMTA’s B-Team competing was also RUMTA’s C-Team who received an honorable mention with 5 wins and 3 losses. They competed against Washington and Jefferson College, University of Rochester, Geneseo State College, and Elmira College. First year competitor Laura Vorbach won an Outstanding Attorney award with 19 ranks. Captain Michael Luckhowec also won an Outstanding Attorney award with 18 ranks. In addition, competitor Ajoke Adetula won an Outstanding Witness award with 19 ranks.
From left to right: Alexis Simmons, Winnie Zhu, Neha Aluwalia, Laura Vorbach, Michael Brestin, Christine Tran, Michael Luckhowec, Kimberly Mohabeer, Ajoke Adetula, Emma Evans
“I think B Team really learned how to hold our own against teams that work differently than us” commented B-Team Captain Ryan Ruffin. C-Team Captain Neha Aluwalia states “I am so proud of our team for the enormous growth I have seen over the past three months. Every member, especially our new members, has grown so much and our performance this weekend reflected that. I am beyond grateful to have such an amazing team to work with!”
In each of the two competitions, RUMTA’s teams argued State of Midlands v. Jordan Ryder, a criminal case pursuing an involuntary manslaughter or aggravated murder charge, involving a parent accused of the death of their daughter. All three of RUMTA’s teams will continue to prep during the winter for the national intercollegiate competition in February 2020. In 2012, Rutgers A-Team finished number two in the nation out of 650 teams and in 2018 Rutgers A-Team finished fifteenth in the nation out of 650 teams. The goal this year is to go to the National Championship Tournament and capture the top spot.
RUMTA thanks Head Coach Michael Roberts of Roberts & Teeter, and Assistant Coaches Bren Simonson, Esq. and Caroline Bielak, Esq. RUMTA is sponsored by Middlesex County Bar Foundation and the Rutgers Alumni Association.