Mock Trial: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

At its core, Mock Trial is a dynamic academic competition where students portray attorneys and witnesses in a simulated legal case. They must grasp complex legal principles, memorize affidavits, and craft opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments—all while following federal rules of evidence. Preparation begins in the fall and intensifies as the team refines arguments, sharpens objections, and perfects courtroom demeanor.

“The cross-examinations aren’t scripted,” explains longtime coach Mr. Scott Roelofs. “You never know what the other team will do. You have to be able to think on your feet under a lot of pressure.”

And think on their feet they did.

A Season to Remember

The 2025 Timothy Christian Mock Trial team capped off an exceptional season with a second-place finish at the Illinois State Mock Trial Tournament, held at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Competing against 50 of the state’s top teams, Timothy advanced to the final round, where they faced Stevenson High School in what Coach Roelofs called “our best trial against our toughest opponent of the year. It was a classic.”

Timothy remained undefeated all year. Phineas Lindloff, Joel Ziegler, and Jovie Santucci earned Outstanding Attorney Awards, recognizing their exceptional oratory skills and legal acumen. Elijah George and Jennifer Stob were named Outstanding Witnesses. The state team included seniors Elijah George, David Favela, Matthew Gritters, and Melannie Garcia; juniors Jennifer Stob, Palmer Reid, and Zachary Huiner; and sophomore Jovie Santucci. They were coached by Mr. Roelofs and attorney coach Cathy Stein, with support from alumni Aaron Michnowski and Catherine Carter.

The strong finish at State was the highlight of a season packed with accomplishments. Timothy placed in the top three at every tournament they entered—an unmatched record in Illinois.

At the Lake County Tournament, they placed third out of 20 teams, with Outstanding Witness and Attorney Awards going to Matt Gritters, Jennifer Stob, and Phineas Lindloff. Just days later, they earned second place at the prestigious Northwest Suburban Bar Association Tournament in Rolling Meadows, finishing ahead of  larger schools like York and Hinsdale Central and tying with Bartlett and Whitney Young.

Even early in the season, both the A and B teams made a statement. At the Maine South Invitational, the A team tied for second and defeated the first-place team in a head-to-head matchup. The B team clinched first place in their division, with sophomore David Lanser receiving an Outstanding Witness Award.

Timothy placed in the top three at every tournament they entered—an unmatched record in Illinois.

Coaching with Purpose

Behind the team’s consistent excellence is veteran coach Mr. Roelofs, one of Timothy’s longest-serving faculty members. He teaches Economics, Government, and Western Civilization, and is known for his vivid storytelling and deep commitment to helping students grow intellectually and spiritually. His passion for forming courageous leaders who live out their faith is evident—in the classroom and the courtroom.

“What I am concerned with, however, is that we represent our school and our faith in a God-honoring way,” Mr. Roelofs says. “That’s what will be remembered—not the trophies.”

While his trophy shelf is full, accolades have never been his main goal. Instead, he emphasizes character, teamwork, and integrity.

“I want us to be a team, not a group of individuals,” he says. “I like to quote the movie Miracle: ‘It’s the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.’ Some of our kids will become lawyers, but most will not. Hopefully, they are learning skills and lessons they can use no matter what they do in life.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Timothy Christian’s Mock Trial program is no stranger to success. With eight state championships, seven runner-up finishes, and five third-place trophies, the team has long been one of Illinois’ elite. Nationally, Timothy has placed as high as third and continues to compete among the country’s best.

Many alumni have gone on to careers in law, graduating from some of the nation’s most prestigious law schools—including two from Yale. But perhaps the program’s most extraordinary distinction? Two Timothy Christian Mock Trial alumni have clerked for the Supreme Court of the United States—an achievement few legal professionals ever reach.

Taylor Hoogendoorn (Class of 2011) served as a law clerk to Justice Samuel Alito, appointed to the Court by President George W. Bush. Jasmine Stein Akre (Class of 2012) was recently selected to clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, nominated by President George H. W. Bush. Supreme Court clerkships are the most coveted legal positions in the country, with fewer than 40 chosen each year from more than 1,000 applicants. These alumni exemplify how far a foundation built at Timothy can carry students.

More Than Mock Trial

For all its prestige, Timothy’s Mock Trial program isn’t defined by its titles—it’s defined by its purpose: cultivating courageous articulate, leaders who carry themselves with conviction in every arena of life. “We’re not after trophies and titles,” Coach Roelofs says. “We’re developing students who will lead with integrity and honor Christ in whatever they pursue.”