Social Studies teacher Kyle Smith is returning to the Mock Trial team this year as a coach. After previous coach Heidi Gondik stepped down, Smith decided to coach full time due to his love of examining court cases, creating legal based arguments, and working with the other coaches. 

Smith’s involvement in the Mock Trial team started in 1996. From assistant coaching, to head coaching for about 15 years, to volunteering, even though he’s taken some brief breaks, he’s always found himself drawn back to this competitive and rewarding activity. 

Smith, however, isn’t the only one excited to be coaching this year. Co-coach Michael Weinandt is looking forward to having another SHS staff member on the team. 

“He brings a lot of energy, he’s just a likable person, and works great with kids,” Weinandt said. 

The students on the Mock Trial team welcome people with open arms, as they did for junior Sierrah Markon her freshman year. She immediately felt so included and her love for the activity stemmed from the wonderful people. The students are excited to welcome Smith to the team officially. 

Smith feels comfortable working with the students, and he feels it’s a great activity to be involved in. Smith believes that he will be able to contribute organizational skills and experience to the team. Along with that, Markon is confident that Smith will bring a calming presence amidst times of organized chaos.

“Mr. Smith is always super eager about Mock Trial,” Markon said.

Smith’s enthusiasm towards Mock Trial radiates out regularly, and his positive impact will be felt on all levels. His addition as a coach will be highly beneficial. 

“It would be nice to get them back to state,” said Smith.

Smith is confident in the talent of the returning members, and feels that state is an achievable goal.  However, the team is also hopeful to get new members, especially to fill spots of the graduates. Smith and Weinandt know the team will work hard towards the end goal of the state competition in Madison. 

According to Weinandt, Smith’s ability to see the big picture when it comes to complex cases will have a huge positive impact on the team. Smith comes to the team ready with expansive court case experience and prior skills that will translate directly to helping the kids to the best they can in the court setting.  

Mock Trial not only teaches about arguing, and law, but it also builds a sense of community, as Smith, Weiandt and Markon highlighted. Mock Trial spends most of their time studying court cases, and students can pick roles such as defense, plaintiff, prosecution, or witness. When the season starts in October, Spartans can find Smith deep into studying the team’s latest court case.