UPrep’s mock trial team will compete in nationals, as one of roughly 50 teams, from May 8-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.

This is the first time in 21 years that UPrep has competed at nationals, according to mock trial captian and senior Keston Gruhl. 

In preparation, the team greatly increased their practice times, practicing from 11-8 on Sundays and from 3 to 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Nine team members will make the trip to nationals to compete. Since they qualified, they have practiced for a combined total of more than 1000 hours in preparation of nationals, according to Gruhl. 

“It’s a super intense time to be on the team, but we’re really gonna put our heads down and do the best that we can to represent Washington state at the national level,” Gruhl said. 

Gruhl joined the mock trial team in ninth grade alongside co-captain and senior Aslan Malik. 

“Going to nationals has always been the dream ever since I was a little youngin’ here at UPrep,” Gruhl said. “Aslan and I have really made an effort to travel with our varsity team to state and fill any supplementary roles we’ve had over the years.”

Malik reminisced on his time on the mock trial team. 

“It’s crazy how far we came,” Malik said. “So that’s something that was really rewarding, and a testament to the program, a testament to my friendship with Keston.”

Molly Hwang, senior and attourney for the team, believes the coaches have been vital to the team’s success. 

“It’s crazy that Coach Grace [Olayinka] and Coach Patrick [Trompeter] are literally giving like, eight to three hours of their day every day, to show up and be there for us. It’s like, I don’t understand why sometimes,” Hwang said. 

Gruhl reflects on all the time and effort that has led the team to nationals.

“This is the day that we’ve been working for,” Gruhl said. “This is the competition we’ve been dreaming of.”