A team of dedicated University of Wisconsin-Superior students recently took the courtroom—well, the competition floor—by storm at the Des Moines Regional Mock Trial Competition, hosted by Drake University. Competing against 25 collegiate teams, the UW-Superior Mock Trial team demonstrated not only a strong command of legal reasoning, but also significant growth, teamwork and enthusiasm for the practice of law.

Meet the Team

Led by Colin Marshall, a legal studies major and team captain, the roster included Kayanna Ruberg (legal studies), Leif Peterson (legal studies and history), Charlie Olsen (legal studies), Roberta Ajua (biology, pre-med, with a minor in criminal justice) and Gaia Belich (interdisciplinary studies: forensic science).

Together, the students navigated a challenging, fast-paced competition that required them to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses, think on their feet and collaborate under pressure.

Growth Through Experience

“It was incredible to see how much they grew in such a short time, both individually and as a team,” said Meg Chrusciel, assistant professor of legal studies and criminal justice at UW-Superior. “Taking on the role of attorney and/or witness, students are challenged to think critically under pressure and collaborate as a team. It builds student agency and pushes them to take ownership of their ideas and the ideas they’ve developed as a team.”

Mock trial competitions simulate real courtroom proceedings, requiring students to analyze case materials, develop legal strategy and present arguments grounded in the federal rules of evidence. For many participants, it is their first opportunity to experience the dynamics of courtroom advocacy long before graduation.

“Mock trial gives students the unique opportunity to step into the courtroom before they ever graduate,” Chrusciel said. “They’re not just learning legal concepts in theory. They learn argument, strategy and professionalism, and they begin to develop a foundational understanding of evidentiary rules by actually putting them into practice.”

Coaching and Mentorship

That practical experience was on full display in Des Moines. Throughout the competition, students refined their questioning techniques, responded to objections and adjusted strategies in real time—all while receiving feedback from judges drawn from the legal community. The experience challenged students to balance preparation with adaptability, a hallmark of effective advocacy.

The team is primarily coached by UW-Superior alum Chayce Strauch, whose leadership has been instrumental in preparing students for competition. Strauch has also mentored Chrusciel as she prepares to take on a larger coaching role in the future, helping ensure continuity and long-term growth of the program, which had not been active for nearly a decade.

Learning—and Enjoying—the Process

Beyond the competition rounds and courtroom formality, there was another element that defined the team’s experience: enjoyment.

“Mock trial is a mix of legal knowledge and theatrics, and that balance really came through,” Chrusciel said. “We’re so excited to get back to work and show up even stronger at our next competition.”

For students across diverse academic programs—from legal studies to forensic science to pre-med—the mock trial experience reinforced transferable skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork and confidence. It also affirmed UW-Superior’s commitment to experiential learning that prepares students for professional paths in law, medicine, public service and beyond.