On Jan. 15, Albert Lea High School mock trial team competed in the Minneapolis Invitational hosted by Lakeville North High School. Thirty-eight teams competed, three from Albert Lea, in what may be the largest invitational in state history. Two junior varsity teams competed well, gained experience and learned a lot. The varsity competed well in a field that included numerous teams that had participated in the state tournament last season. Albert Lea’s varsity team won their first two trials to earn a berth in the tournament finals where they dropped a close trial to finish with a runner-up trophy.

Regional playoffs on Feb. 17 at Rice County Courthouse. Regional championships Feb. 23 at Goodhue County Courthouse. 2011 Minnesota State High School Mock Trial Tournament March 8 and 9 in Duluth.

Junior Varsity members: Sophomores Kelli Sanderson, Kristin Sandager, JB Miller, Marleny Huerta-Apanco, Lani Hanson, Tara Westland, Ella Otten, Tate Tufte and Mark McGivern, and freshmen Morgan Haney, Jessie Olson, Lindsey Freitag, Sarah Savelkoul, Carol Lein, Emma Behling and Mallorie Gil.

Varsity members: Seniors Shelby Lageson (2009-10 All-State award winning witness), Carlton Strip and Logan Tufte (2009-10 All-State award winning lawyer). Juniors Stuart Behling, Michelle Hartman, Sami Klapperick, Macy Paul, Addison Peterson and Annabelle Randall.