Central College Mock Trial Places First in Iowa Tournament
Pella, IA (10/30/2026) — Central College's mock trial team finished first in its second competition of the season. Central beat out 25 other teams at Cornell College's "King of the Hill" invitational from October 24-25.
Central mock trial defeated teams from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, Cornell College and Drake University, with a record of seven wins and one loss, which was by a margin of only two points. Other schools, including Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, University of Iowa and University of Missouri, were also in attendance.
Lincoln Stensland, Class of 2027 political science major from Lisbon, Iowa, was named the Outstanding Attorney of the tournament. Lincoln received a perfect score of 20 in his role as a defense attorney and 18 as a plaintiff attorney. All but two judges named him the most outstanding attorney in each round.
"These students have worked incredibly hard and this win was so deserved," says Abbe Brunink Stensland, head mock trial coach and 2002 Central graduate. "We're just getting started, so it's great that we're kicking the season off with some positive momentum."
Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Ranked the No. 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.
Media Attachments
From left to right: Isaac Stensland ’27, Lincoln Stensland ’27, Brianna Wright ’27, Kaylee Kettler ’28, Jayden Riberdy ’30, Gavin Walters ‘28[
Central College
Jeanette Budding (641) 628-5282, buddingj@central.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Central College's Kate Nesbit Hosts Writers Reading of New Book: Willful Listeners
- Central College's Season of Gratitude to Bring Service Work to Surrounding Community
- Central Students Win the University of Iowa Tippie International Case Competition
- Mat Kelly Book Exhibit at Central College's Mills Gallery
- Central College Students Elect Governance Leaders
- Central College to Host Kid Captains on Grandparent Day
- Central Graduates Present Research at Iowa Communication Association Conference
- Central College Announces Geisler-Penquite Scholarship Recipients
- Central College Mathematics Professor Delivers Two Publications
- Rob Lindley '95 Returns to Central College in "Working Actor" Career Conversations