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Tottenville Places 2nd in New York State
Pirates cap off an incredible year with best finish in program history


Team poses for a photo after the New York State Championship Round.


5.22.08 - The Tottenville High School Mock Trial Team placed second at the New York State Tournament held on May 19-20, 2008 at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York in Albany, New York. After winning its first two rounds, the Pirates were jubilant when their name was called at the awards' ceremony on Monday night. "We kind of accepted that our season was over, so it was just unbelievable when they announced us," said senior Jesse Siegel, "everyone went crazy." Tottenville faced off against East Islip High School from Long Island in the Championship Round. The case was heard by Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, Victoria A. Graffeo. After an intense round of competition, the Pirate suffered their first loss of the year. "The loss was initially very disappointing, but we had such an amazing year," explained junior Amar Patel, we exceeded all expectations." Tottenville's second place finish was the best in the history of the burgeoning mock trial program. "It is what it is," said faculty advisor Steve Saliski, "we'll just have to get them next year".


The Waiting is Over! Pirates Capture New York City Crown
Tottenville defeats defending state champions on way to title


5.8.08 - As the old adage goes, "the third time is the charm." After two consecutive losses in the regional finals in 2005 and 2006, the Tottenville High School Mock Trial Team finally captured the city championship title. Tottenville will be returning to Albany, to compete in the State Finals, for the first time since 2004. "Winning the championship after what we went through the last two years was so special. This victory is for all of the seniors on that ’06 team that deserved to go to states," said Team Captain and senior Michelle Cuozzo. The journey was certainly not easy. The Pirates defeated the 2006 New York State Champions, Marymount High School, in the Semi-Finals and the 2007 State Champions, the Bronx School for Law and Government, in route to their victory. Head Coach Justin Matarrese explained the difficulty of the opposition, "These were some of the toughest, most well prepared teams in the state and we had them back-to-back. The rounds were fierce and the students really poured their hearts out to win them. I was so proud of the team." The title required Tottenville to win seven consecutive rounds. Attorney coach Gregory P. Matarrese felt certain performances stood out in the final round, "[Joseph] La Barbara's performance and the witnesses [Jesse, Alivia, Brad] helped differentiate us from the opposition". Tottenville will travel to Albany next week to represent New York City.



Team poses for a photo with the city championship trophy after their victory.


Pirates Take First Two, Ranked 1st in City
Tottenville defeats two of New York City's finest


Team poses for a photo after its Round 2 victory.

3.6.08 - He was nervous. He was anxious. He was tense. Tottenville High School Coach Justin Matarrese had every right to be. His team had the luck of drawing two of New York City's top mock trial programs in the first rounds of competition: Sheepshead Bay and St. Joseph Hill. "We have played these programs multiple times in the last few years, but in the late rounds," commented Matarrese, "they are always great and they always come prepared". Yet despite the incredible competition, the Pirates picked up their first two victories of the year, hoping to erase the painful loss that was still fresh in their memories. "It was really tough what happened to us last year," said team captain and senior Michlle Cuozzo, "we weren't sharp and faced a great team... we don't want to let that happen again".




The Inaugural Empire - An Incredible Success
Tottenville students get their first taste of
national competition

6.18.07 - Twelve teams. Seven states. One weekend. The inaugural Empire City Invitational was an incredible experience for all of the students that attended. The three day, four round tournament was held at the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York this past weekend. The Tottenville High School Mock Trial team got its first taste of national competition, facing off with Cibola High School (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Bishop Guertin High School (Nashua, New Hampshire), Righetti High School (Santa Maria, California) and Roman Catholic High School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). "Those rounds against Cibola and Bishop Guertin were some of the toughest of my mock career," said junior Bradley Simon. The Tottenville team consisted of four first year competitors and four returning members. Yet even with so many new faes, the team placed fifth with a record of 5-3. "When you strive for perfection fifth is a little disappointing," said sophomore Joseph La Barbara, "but it'll just give us more motivation for next year".

 
THS Mock Trial Team after Round 4 at the Empire City Invitational.




The prosecution half of the THS Mock Trial Team poses for a
photo in the lobby of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.
Devastating Loss Ends Pirates' Season
Despite an incredible effort by Dubov,
Pirates are left wondering what went wrong

4.26.07 - Over the last three years, they have compiled an astonishing record of 20-2 in route to three consecutive championship appearances. In 2004, they captured their first city title. Their rise from obscurity to dominance has been nothing short of spectacular. However, for the first time since the 2003 season, there will be a New York City Championship round without Tottenville High School. After a devastating loss at the hands of the Bronx School of Law, Government and Justice, the Pirates were left wondering what could have been. One point separated Tottenville from advancing to the final four. It was the final round ever for Tottenville's superstar attorney, Mikhail Dubov, and according to his coach, he went out with a bang, "That was the best closing I've ever seen in my 6 years doing this. The judge stopped him five times and each and every time he was spot on with his answers - incredible". Tottenville will regroup and get ready for the Empire tournament, to be held in June.


Two Down, Five to Go
Pirates pick up first two victories of the season

3.11.07 - The Tottenville High School Mock Trial Team opened up the 2007 season by picking up back-to-back victories against the School of Heroes and Shulamith Yeshiva. Round 1 featured a stellar performance by all six members of the prosecution. Alivia Ashenfarb, freshman, and Bradley Simon, junior, were sensational in their mock trial debuts. Read more.

A jovial photo of the THS Mock Trial Team after their Round 2 victory.


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