Rhinelander High School will be defending its Regional championship title next weekend at the 32nd annual Mock Trial Regional Tournament. Last year, RHS broke its own state record by winning its 28th consecutive regional title and its 17th state title.

The tournament is sponsored by the Wisconsin Law Foundation and will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, in the Marathon County Courthouse in Wausau. Four rounds of competition will be held, with trials scheduled for 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. The tournament is open to the public.

Rhinelander High School will be represented by two teams. Other high schools participating in the regional tournament are Lakeland Union, Thorp, Wausau West and three teams from D.C. Everest.
This year’s case is a homicide involving two law school roommates. The State contends that the Defendant, Jamie Covington, was being sabotaged online by her victim and shot him for revenge. The Defense maintains that the Defendant mistook her roommate for an armed intruder and shot in self-defense. Students will play attorney and witness roles in the competition, which is judged by local attorneys and judges.

Members of RHS team one are seniors Mike Anderson and Erin Tenderholt, juniors Anna Catlin, Emily Ditzler, and Jarod Hoha, and sophomores Ellie Rickman, Albiona Sabani and Sydney Schallock.

Members of RHS team two are junior Bethany Stelbrink, sophomores Erin Bloom, Max Holperin, and Zack DuBois, and freshmen Tyler Fredrick, Mason Hageny, Emily McFarland and Grace Payfer.

The teams are coached by Kathy Vick-Martini, attorney Amy Ferguson and Judge Michael Bloom.