PHC among the nation’s best in Civic Debate and Mock Trial

Patrick Henry College’s Forensics Program is continuing its remarkable run of success, with standout performances across multiple competitions this spring, including national tournaments. From high-level policy debates to intense courtroom showdowns, PHC students are proving they can compete on some of the most competitive stages in the country.

Civic Debate: Schuman Challenge

At the prestigious Schuman Challenge, hosted at the EU Delegation Office,  PHC’s Civic Debate team of Zeke Johnson, Ammon Corpron, and Josiah Osborne rose to the top tier of competitors, advancing to the final round as one of only three remaining teams.

Tasked with addressing the complex future of EU–U.S. security cooperation, they presented a policy proposal that stood out among submissions from leading institutions.

In the final round, they faced off against teams from Stanford and Macalester College, ultimately earning an impressive second-place finish! Their performance builds on PHC’s legacy in the competition, following the college’s first-place victory in 2023.

Mock Trial: National Championship Tournament

PHC’s excellence also extended to the courtroom at the American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament—one of the most competitive collegiate events in the country. 

Competing in the Mount Vernon Division, PHC’s Mock Trial team secured an impressive top-10 finish while facing powerhouse programs including Haverford, Princeton, Penn State, and Duke.

The team’s performance reflected not only skill and preparation, but also the ability to compete at the very highest level in collegiate mock trial. Out of more than 850 teams nationwide, only 50 earned the right to compete at Nationals, placing PHC firmly among the elite. 

Individual honors further underscored the team’s excellence: Evan Lopez earned All-American Attorney recognition, while Allie Satterfield was named an All-American Witness.

In 2024, PHC also finished the season with two All-American honorees, a standard the team continues to meet with this year’s national-level performance.

Guided by alumni coach Elizabeth Ertle and Program Director Susan Johnson, the team demonstrated exceptional poise and precision throughout the national tournament.

Civic Debate: Transatlantic Dialogues East Tournament

Meanwhile, PHC’s Civic Debate teams delivered another standout showing at the Transatlantic Dialogues East Tournament in Washington, D.C.

Competing against top university teams, Evan Fairfax and Benjamin Rutten tied for first place in a highly competitive field, sharing the top honor with a team from George Washington University.

Fellow teammates William Strohmeyer and Jack Spurling also turned in a strong performance, earning fourth place.

Altogether, three PHC teams competed at the event, showcasing the depth and consistency of the program. Their success reflects the leadership of Head Coach Tyler Dunning and Coach Isaac Winnes, as well as the dedication of the students themselves.

This success follows PHC’s earlier second-place finish at the Transatlantic Dialogues West Tournament this spring, further demonstrating the program’s competitiveness.

Another PHC team is also set to travel to Paris in June to compete internationally, continuing the program’s presence on the global stage.

Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.