MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (October 30, 2025) — Monmouth College's moot court competition — called "an academic exercise and an exercise in professionalism" by its faculty adviser, political-science professor Mike Nelson — crowned a new Top Advocate Tuesday evening.
The winner of the college's 15th annual competition was sophomore Calvin Wellman of San Antonio, Texas. In previous competitions, his class year might've made him the youngest to reach the four-student final round, but it was actually an all-underclassman field, with two other sophomores — Andrew Himpsl of Quincy, Illinois, and Emily Leshin of Elgin, Illinois — and freshman Nora Collins of Hopedale, Illinois, rounding out the field.
"I really poured my heart into preparing for this case," said Wellman.
"I think in total I must've spent no less than twenty hours reading and annotating the case, in addition to the writing and reading. All that to say that being diligent is a big part of moot court, and getting direction from Prof Nelson and others was a big part in making sure I was on the right track."
Leshin was a winner on the night, as well, writing the top legal brief. The runner-up in that portion of the competition was senior Cameron Shook of Morton, Illinois. Junior Payton Crims of Alsip, Illinois took third.
The judges for the final round included Associate Judge James G Baber of the 9th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, who served as chief justice of Monmouth's simulation of the Supreme Court. The justices were Monmouth faculty members Vanessa Campagna and Mike Connell.
The preliminary round was held October 25 and featured fourteen students battling for a spot in the finals.
Judges for that round and for the legal brief writing competition were Dan Cotter ('88), Kate Fitzsimmons Cross ('08), and Brad Nahrstadt ('89) and his wife, Debra Nahrstadt.
"I learned that I'm much more capable than I'm aware, and also that everyone who was involved in this competition just wants to help you succeed," said Collins.
"Although they seem intimidating, the judges were truly so willing to help us. They all believed in me more than I believed in myself."
A summit on Olympus
The case the students debated had its roots in the fictional state of Olympus, and its fictional school, Olympus State University.
"American Moot Court Association runs a national competition, and we're using their case," explained Nelson to the Hewes Library audience.
"It asks competitors to argue two constitutional issues: whether a university's admissions policy discriminates by gender and whether it infringes on free speech rights."
Seated in front between Monmouth professors Mike Connell and Vanessa Campagna is Associate Judge James G Baber of the 9th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. In back are, from left, finalists Emily Leshin, Andrew Himpsl, Calvin Wellman, and Nora Collins. All four are political-science majors and members of Greek life organizations
The case might've been fiction, but the academic and professional emphasis that Nelson referenced was very real. The finalists addressed the latter point by wearing sharp suits and stylish pantsuits while addressing the judges, who were all in black robes and who took the students off script by asking questions in the midst of their prepared remarks. The finalists frequently cited real case law, with Wellman, in particular, praised by Connell for his obvious command of those cases. Wellman complemented that command with strong voice projection.
Law school prep
"This competition has really developed my public speaking skills and furthered my understanding of the law and how it can be applied," said Leshin, who, like the rest of the finalists, plans to attend law school after she graduates from Monmouth.
"I'm still not sure exactly what type of law, but after this competition, I have a newfound love for constitutional law."
After his undergraduate years, during which he plans to include a semester abroad, Himpsl plans to attend law school — where moot court competitions are more commonly found - then work at the state or federal level in prosecution. He worked closely with the 8th District attorney in his hometown Adams County last summer.
"The experience planted a seed of deep devotion, furthering my interest in criminal justice, and specifically, prosecution," said Himpsl. "My overall career goal is to work at the federal level in prosecution, and to then get into politics in the latter part of my life."
As of right now, I do plan on going to law school," said Collins, the youngest of the four finalists.
"I'm very interested in family law, but I'm very open to changing that. I don't have my heart set on anything yet."
"I think at this point that law school is the next step in my higher education," said Wellman.
"I'm especially interested in areas relating to international law or cases about international relations."
Past participants have gone on to attend law school from Vermont to Vegas and plenty of points in between.
Former Top Advocate Emma Hildebrand ('21) attended law school at the University of Notre Dame and is now a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice. During Homecoming weekend, she was one of three past winners to attend a 15th anniversary celebration of what Nelson called "this wonderful tradition we have at Monmouth College." The others were Phil Buckwinkler ('15) and Karli Strom ('25).
Strom helped this year's competitors by being part of a study session, and Nelson was involved in their prep work, too, even working with a group of students until 11PM on the night before the preliminary round.
Himpsl believes that moot court is a valuable tool, and he thanked Nelson for getting him involved.
"You truly do not know your capacity until it is tested," he said.
"It's an amazing opportunity to grow and hone your skills in the fields of research and law. You can craft the most air-tight argument, but there will always be a hole to be poked. It's crucial to look at the case from every aspect in order to create a successful argument and its defense."
