Courtroom Calling: Col. Greg Thompson and Katie Baker

Practice may not always make perfect, but at Cedarville University, it launches futures. The University’s mock trial team is preparing students for legal careers and inspiring them to model the love of Christ in the courtroom.

Colonel (Ret.) Greg Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, brought his extensive legal background to Cedarville as a Professor of Criminal Justice. With experience in criminal prosecution, defense, and national security law — as well as time coaching mock trial at the U.S. Air Force Academy — he was well-equipped to launch the University’s mock trial program.

One of the first students on the team was Katie Baker, a passionate social work major who found her calling in the courtroom.

Katie, now heading to the University of Akron School of Law, first stepped into the world of legal advocacy through Cedarville’s new mock trial team. Inspired by her internship in children’s services, she witnessed firsthand the heartache — and hope — found in family law. Her drive to stand in the gap for hurting children and families only deepened through the team.

Mock trial at Cedarville is more than competition. It’s a training ground for future advocates built on biblical truth and a commitment to excellence. Students wrestle through 250-page case files, face unpredictable courtroom twists, and stand with poise, shaped by Col. Thompson’s guidance and reminders that every courtroom mirrors the deeper truth that Christ stands as our advocate.

Though the team didn’t claim a championship trophy this year, they competed with heart against top-tier programs — and earned respect for both their skill and the faith that underpins it.

In just two seasons, Cedarville’s mock trial team has built an extraordinary legacy where faith meets advocacy and students like Katie step boldly into the future.

Hear Katie and Col. Thompson share the team’s formative and funny stories on this week's episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8a69d2c

https://youtu.be/twmISdeAsJk