Southeastern Illinois College has etched its name into the record book by capturing its third consecutive Model Illinois Government (MIG) championship when it was named, “Outstanding Large Delegation” on Sunday.
This marks SIC’s 15th State Championship in 21 years and second three-peat in eight years. The win further solidified the school’s legacy as one of the top programs in the state, despite being the smallest school by enrollment at the competition.
“A three-peat is not only a testament to the program, it says a great deal about the quality of our students,” said advisor Matt Lees. “Only one student returned from this last year’s team. My colleagues ask me where I consistency find such talented kids and my answer is simple – my classes.”
During competition students had the opportunity to debate bills in the actual House and Senate chambers in Springfield. This year, more than 175 students from 16 colleges and universities participated from across the state.
SIC led all schools in total points, won four major awards, and held central leadership positions in the House Republican and Senate Republican caucuses. SIC students were also elected to four committee spokesperson positions and a committee chair position. Students won elections for Senate Minority and Assistant Minority Leader and secured two Floor Whip positions. The team won awards for Outstanding Original Legislation, Outstanding Person in the House of Representatives, Outstanding First Year Delegate in the House, and Outstanding First Year Delegate in the Senate.
First-year delegates included Jaxson Buckman and Trenton Clifford, both of New Haven; Logan Brinkley and Abbey Mobley, both of Norris City; Skye Casey and Zaine Hathaway, both of Harrisburg; Ethan Howard of Enfield; and Halle Price of Eldorado.
The single returning delegate was Head Delegate Tobias Hamblin of Norris City.
Delegates securing committee spokesperson positions included Buckman, Clifford, Howard, and Mobley. Buckman and Brinkley were also elected as floor whips. Tobias Hamblin was elected Chair and House Minority Leader while Ethan Howard was elected Senate Assistant Minority Leader. Mobley and Buckman later won the Outstanding Original Legislation Award, Trenton Clifford won the Outstanding First Year Delegate Award in the House, while Ethan Howard was named Outstanding First Year Member in the Senate. Hamblin received the Donna Lennon Award for Outstanding Member of the House, the chamber’s most coveted honor.
In acquiring two positions and one award, Clifford, Hamblin, Howard, Mobley/Buckman scored three composite points leading the entire simulation in individual points and tying a school record.
Given the number of offices held and overall performance, the SIC team was named Outstanding Large Delegation. Abbey Mobley and Jaxson Buckman also crafted their own original legislation. Both students successfully guided their bill from committee all the way to the Governor’s desk.
Lees attributed the team’s success to its strong leadership, particularly Hamblin’s dedication.
“This group had some of the best leadership I’ve ever observed during my 24 years as advisor. As Head Delegate, Tobias Hamblin worked tirelessly and slept little. There is a reason he has been a member of three championships teams.”
