This fall, I was given the opportunity to compete in the Southeast Regional Moot Court Competition held by the American Collegiate Moot Court Association and The University of Tampa in Tampa Bay, Florida. Not only did I represent myself, but I represented the McConnell Center and The University of Louisville. It was a great experience and the competition that my partner and I went up against was truly impressive.
This was my first competition for moot court, although I had had some experience from last year, having taken part in all the practices leading up to competition last year. It was the second regional competition for my co-council, Meagan Floyd, and we were not really sure how we or the team from the university would do this year,. We had not been to this particular regional in a while and, although we went in confident, we just did not know how we would show. We did outstanding.
Coming out of the first day, all three teams qualified. We had a team with the 2nd overall eed coming out of the day, the 4th overall seed coming out of the day, which to our surprise and delight, was Meagan and I, and a team 8th overall coming out of the day. All three teams were in the top 8 at the competition! We were more than pleased. We also had four of the top 11 orators and would all be entering the day favored to win our first match of the second day.
In order to qualify for nationals, we must place in the top 7 after the second and final day. To accomplish this, we must win match 1 of day 2, leaving the compeition with 8 teams, and then qualify for the top 8 with points after match 2. My partner and I accomplished this! Two teams from the University of Louisville qualified outright and the other is an alternate with a good shot to get in! We will be going to New Orleans in January!
Not only has Moot Court at the McConnell Center given me a chance to broaden my fields of interest, being a biology major myself, but it gave me the chance to travel to beautiful cities in the winter, spend good times with friends, and compete, something that I truly miss from high school. Outside the classroom, there are not many competitions for the college student. Moot court is a good way to get that competitive nature out in a constructive, fun, and academic way. All three of these things are what the McConnell Center looks to provide for the scholars.
Congratulations to all who qualified from around the nation and I will see you in New Orleans! Bring your "A" game!