The Morris Area School Mock Trial team won their first ever postseason trial recently, qualifying them for the state tournament March 2-3.
“One of the students was on the team when the program started 4 years ago,” stated Seth Kelly, coach, “and the majority have never done anything like it before. It’s been a tremendous joy watching them get so excited about critical thinking, applied rhetoric, and very complex public speaking. If you see any of these people in public, I advise avoiding any arguments. The future is brighter than it often seems!”
This year’s case is Jamie Morton vs. Ardi Ramidus, M.D. Here is the summary in the case materials:
Jamie Morton was a star swimmer at Lake Superior High School. Jamie’s outstanding skills in the pool resulted in a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota. Swimming for the “home team” meant the world to Jamie. Jamie dominated the pool, even in college. Still only a freshman, Jamie won 30 of the first 36 events.
But everything changed on January 29, 2021. Jamie was swimming in the final meet before the Big Ten conference meet. Jamie felt a “pop” in her left knee at the start of the fourth lap and felt excruciating pain. Jamie quickly sought medical attention and was referred to Dr. Ardi Ramidus.
Dr. Ramidus ordered an MRI and concluded that Jamie’s left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was torn. Dr. Ramidus performed ACL reconstruction surgery, and Jamie began the rehabilitation process. On May 5, 2021—after Jamie had returned to the pool—Jamie again felt the pain in her left knee. Jamie was quickly diagnosed with a second ACL tear, ending a promising swimming career and resulting in the loss of scholarships.
Jamie filed a lawsuit against Dr. Ramidus, alleging that Dr. Ramidus was negligent in two ways. Dr. Ramidus claims there was no negligence; Jamie’s own behavior caused the second ACL tear.
The roster for the Morris team includes: Plaintiff side – Ava Wayne, Kaia Anderson, Heidi Seales, Anna Jordan, Abi Alcantar, Isaac Hoffman, Thea Kolden and Aria Chatters. On defense – Heidi Seales, Thea Kolden, Katya Lackey, Nathaniel Hanson, Aria Chatters, Campbell Sleiter and Abigail Alcantar.
