Two CHS Mock Trial teams move on to state tournament
Cibola students to compete in Phoenix later this month
Cibola High School’s Mock Trial team is sending two teams to the state competition.
Led by Captain Ben Grybz, one of the teams finished in first place at their regional competition March 3 and automatically qualified for state, while a second team, captained by Sam Hurtado, was notified March 6 by the state selection committee that they have been chosen for an “at-large” bid to the state tournament as well.
The tournament takes place Saturday, March 24, in Phoenix.
“This accomplishment is unprecedented coming from this regional qualifying area,” CHS social studies teacher and mock trial adviser Joshua Guidote said. “Cibola, Yuma Union High School District and Region 1 will be well represented at the March 24 state competition. The kids are super excited to prove themselves in the exclusive 16-team field.
“While the last six months have been hard work, in the end, all the hours, all the tears, and all the sacrifices were worth it for these kids.”
The first place team and automatic state qualifier include: Team Captain and President Ben Gryzb, Vice President Jacqueline Soriano, Kelsey Yoblanski, Teancum Cox, Mark Harvey, Monica Lazary, and Gustavo Valencia.
The second place team and at-large bid state qualifier is rostered by Captain Samuel Hurtado, Treasurer Edgar Moreno, Secretary Britany Medina Lepe, Alexia Felix, Hannah Fountain, Alondra Jimenez and Anthony Molina.
Cibola also achieved multiple regional all-stars. Three members of these teams (Harvey, Medina and Gryzb) were named to be part of the Arizona Regional Mock Trial All-Star Team, which indicates that the trio of students showed exceptional, exemplary work that has been recognized by members of the other teams.
Cox may have summed up the season the best by saying, “Winning mock trial is awesome! Just being able to have the experience to be in a courthouse and practice law with a great group of people was not only empowering, but rewarding.”