Case by Case: Central College Competes at the National Level
Story By: Grace Benson ’26
June 15, 2026
Central students gained valuable experience during the 2026 Mock Trial competition. Pictured is Isaac Stensland ’26. Other teammates not pictured were Paddy Bozik ’26, Dante Trinidad-Gomez ’26, Lincoln Stensland ’26 and Brianna Wright ’26.
As soon as students step foot on campus, Central College offers opportunities to gain real-world experience that spans the country. This past year, Central students have excelled in national case competitions that test students’ collaboration and decision-making skills while stretching the Central network beyond Pella.
CENTRAL’S MOCK TRIAL LEGACY
Each year, mock trial provides students the opportunity to compete at the national level, challenging teams of undergraduate students to present hypothetical court cases before panels of legal professionals. Thanks to the pioneering work of Central’s first mock trial coach, the late Don Racheter, Central has been part of mock trial since its inception in 1984.
Central’s current coach, Abbe Brunink Stensland ’02, understands the significance of Central’s mock trial legacy. Stensland’s participation in mock trial as a Central student launched her into a successful legal career and brought her back to coach Central’s team in Fall 2024. Now, she’s had the privilege of coaching a group of talented Central students including her sons Isaac ’26 and Lincoln Stensland ’26.
“Being part of the Central legacy is unique,” she says, “and that’s what I’m trying to bring back to a larger degree — to understand where we’ve come from and how much of a benefit it is to be at an institution where somebody had the foresight to think of an activity that now encompasses 700 institutions across the country.”
Under Stensland’s coaching, Central students have excelled at competitions, with Dante Trinidad-Gomez ’26, Isaac, and Lincoln each earning Outstanding Attorney recognitions and Brianna Wright ’26 and Paddy Bozik ’26 earning Outstanding Witness Honors.
As a four-year participant in the program, Trinidad-Gomez recognizes the real-world impact of competing in mock trial.
“Mock trial teaches you the art of public speaking and debate to advocate for someone else,” he says. “Whether you’re advocating for someone on trial, a project proposal at work or for someone in your community, mock trial gives you the tools to make that happen.”
Bozik, also a four-year mock trial participant, concurs.
“The best real-world skill I have developed in mock trial are confidence in public speaking to advocate for our position in the case. Being able to clearly communicate is important in any career, and I’m glad I have it in my toolbox as I graduate.”
For Stensland, the real-world applicability of mock trial centers on critical thinking and confidence communicating with others.
“My goal for students is to be able to analyze information critically, think on their feet and respond extemporaneously when things come up,” Stensland explains. “There’s not a career where it’s not important to be able to critically analyze and then discuss your solutions to a problem, and ultimately, that’s what mock trial teaches.”
Central’s economics, accounting and management team placed fifth in the inaugural Tippie National Impact Case Competition. Isabella Schlerman ’26, Mickey Martens ’27, Ann McDonald, lecturer of business management, John Juszczyk ’27 and Scott Johnson ’26.
TIPPIE NATIONAL IMPACT CASE COMPETITION
In Fall 2025, Central students in the economics, accounting and management department represented Central in the Tippie College of Business National Impact Case Competition. Hosted in a different location each year, the National Impact Case Competition challenges students to develop leadership and decision-making skills through business proposals that prioritize people, profit and the planet.
Scott Johnson ’26, John Juszczyk ’27, Mickey Martens ’27 and Isabella Schlerman ’25 teamed up to present their creative approach to this year’s business proposal prompt — a soccer stadium complex in Des Moines. Under the coaching of Ann McDonald, lecturer of business management, Central placed fifth out of 12 teams that included elite institutions from across the country.
“My biggest takeaway from this experience would be to never second guess yourself,” Martens reflects. “When we arrived at the competition, we were overwhelmed to see intimidating, big-name schools. To hear that Central College made it to the final round showed that a Division III school can create something just as good as bigger schools.”
McDonald likewise highlights Central’s unique positioning as a small liberal arts institution in national case competitions.
“Our students didn’t know each other very well before this competition, but they were able to connect quickly and figure out each other’s strengths,” she says. “I think that comes from being at a smaller school where it’s not as intimidating to meet new people.”
More than anything, Central’s team of students walked away from the competition with stronger critical thinking and presentation skills.
“In the business world, you’re going to present to people all the time, and you have to be able to think on your feet and adjust to the audience you’re working with,” McDonald explains.
To students across all academic disciplines, McDonald points to Central’s success at the event as demonstrative of the power of a Central education. “Be encouraged knowing that we placed so well,” McDonald says. “Our ability to stand up against these strong schools across the country shows that you’re getting a great education here. So put that to use and go out there. Take a risk.”
Student participation in these events relies upon the strength of the Central network and the dedication of coaches and professors who believe in the potential of Central students.
No matter the area of study or lane of campus involvement — through a gift, word of encouragement or simply showing up — your support makes it all possible.