Sam Thoma, 16, of Butler explains why her character in this year's mock trial competitions would answer questions a certain way. Thoma is a junior on Butler Senior High School's mock trial team, which recently won the county-wide tournament.

After school ends, there are sports, there are jobs and, for the two dozen students who make it in, there is mock trial.

In the Butler School District, the team is among the most serious of extracurricular activities. Team members practice incessantly, and coaches drill them daily in preparation for the coming competitions.

They are, after all, defending champions.

Butler's mock trial team is fresh off winning the countywide tournament for its 11th year straight. Despite all the hours already spent practicing, students and coaches say they're now getting really serious. The district tournament soon approaches.

This is an excerpt — read more about mock trial in Sunday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.