This weekend one of two University mock trial teams competing in a national invitational at Columbia University placed second among a field of 32 other teams.
Although the University's mock trial program has competed in only one other competition this school year, it defeated teams from all over the country, including Yale and George Washington University. Iowa State University won the invitational.
"It was really exciting because we were competing against a lot of teams who have been to a lot of national competitions, and we were able to beat them," team captain Lauren Park said.
The other University team competing at the invitational earned the Spirit of AMTA (American Mock Trial Association) Award for their respect and civility in the trial. Third-year College student Alexander Crawford earned an individual Outstanding Witness Award as well.
Park said the team competed in the invitational in preparation for the regional competition which will take place in late February. The regional competition will determine whether or not the University's team will continue to the national contest.