‘Elite of the elite’

Andrew Wainer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Fountain Valley High School fought a close battle last

week and won Orange County’s mock trial competition.

The final of six rounds was held last Thursday night at the Central

Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Fountain Valley, which took second place two years ago, beat its hometown

rival Los Amigos in what the judges of the contest called a battle that

was “too close to call”.

“These two teams are the elite of the elite,” Judge James Stotler said

before the winner was announced.

This year’s trial dealt with controversy surrounding a fictitious high

school club. The case, People vs. Rose, dealt with a pledging club member

accused of poisoning the senior club members after they allegedly abused

her and rejected her membership.

The team’s performance trying the case was judged by seven members of the

local legal community. Five were members of the Orange County Superior

Court, one was a public defender, and one was president of the county bar

association.

A cry of joy burst from the dozens of Fountain Valley students, parents

and staff gathered in the courtroom as Fountain Valley was proclaimed the

winner.

“I’m pretty elated,” said Fountain Valley team member Tristan Jean. “It’s

been tough and, at times, tedious. But now it’s paid off.”

“This is wonderful,” Christine Baron, Fountain Valley teacher and mock

trial coach, said between hugs and kisses from supporters. “These kids

worked really hard.”

Fountain Valley will now compete in March at the state-level competition

in Sacramento.

The mock trial, which was sponsored by the Constitutional Rights

Foundation of Orange County, counted 48 high schools among its

participants this year.

The competition took place over six days in November and December.

Members of the two final teams, most of whom are seniors, spent hundreds

of hours preparing for the competition.

Julie Nguyen, who performed as an attorney for the Los Amigos team, said

practicing for the competition was a full-time job.

“I’ve never worked so hard for anything in my life,” Nguyen said. “It’s

been overwhelming. We put in 35 hours a week.”

Although some Los Amigos members were visibly distraught by their loss,

coach Jim Obracker said he “couldn’t be more proud” of his team.

“This was like a Super Bowl game that went into overtime,” Obracker said.

“If we had to lose to any team, I would want it to be Fountain Valley.

They were really classy.”

Though disappointed, Obracker said he looks forward to spending more time

with his wife, who is four months pregnant.

“The team will have to mend some broken hearts,” he said.

Fountain Valley, meanwhile, will take a break before starting up practice

again in February, Baron said.

Baron added that the winter holiday break would be heartily welcomed by

herself and the Fountain Valley team.

“It’s time for a rest,” she said.