New Rochelle, NY (January 23, 2012) — This past weekend, the Iona College Mock Trial Team secured an impressive second place in their first competition of 2012 – a 16-team tournament defeating teams from University of Minnesota, St. Johns University and Stonehill College. The competition took place at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus.
“This was our 6+ win of the 2011-12 season, after winning 6 ballots at UPenn in November en route to a 12th place finish out of 50+ teams,” said Coach Adam Detsky, Esq., who serves as a co-organizer of this tournament on behalf of Iona College.
Anastasia Nitis, ’14, a member of the honors program, was one of three students honored as a top advocate at the tournament. Anastasia is the second team member to receive individual honors this season. Kimberleigh Costanzo, ’14, also a member of the honors program, was previously recognized this past October at the Columbia University Big Apple Invitational Tournament (CUBAIT).
“The 2011-2012 season continues to be a rebuilding year for the program despite our recent successes. This is one of the youngest and most inexperienced teams we have ever fielded – making this second place finish that much sweeter to savor. The students have worked exceptionally hard as they overcome hurdles and create new successes with a very new group,” Detsky added.
The current mock trial team is comprised of the following members: Sheena Wagaman ’12, team captain, Zach Benoit ’13, Anastasia Nitis ’14, Mary Ann Gallucci ’14, Thomas Savidge ’14, Joseph Paciullo ’14, Amy Wert ’15, Joshua Myree ’15, and Ronald Distante ’15.
“The Mock Trial team’s success this past weekend is testament to the hard work and dedication of not only the student members, but of the tireless efforts of Coach Detsky and his assistant coaches. I look forward to the team’s continued growth as they build on their litigation and collaborative skills,” said Dr. Jeanne Zaino, Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Science.
Assisting Detsky with his coaching duties is Michael Gelfand, Esq., a Long-Island based attorney, and the volunteer efforts of Iona alumni: Amanda DeRosa, Nadia Niazi, Amy Cassidy and Ashley Reid. The next scheduled tournament is January 28-29 at Georgetown University.