Upon USD's achievement in making the advanced rounds for the first time in Hong Kong a new era for the USD VICAM team began. In a hard fought battle that they thought they had won, the team was informed Freiburg had gone on this year in Hong Kong. Freiburg would also find out they got the first and second place upstanding oralist awards. Not withstanding, they would go on to lose in the quarterfinals.
The team had worked very hard on the brief this year. In neither competition had they ever received recognition. That would change this year. They received the honorable mention for the claimant's brief.
The real victory however is not found on paper. It exists in the skills, dedication, and grit in presenting a well thought out argument. The chances of making it in to the Advanced rounds are 17% (and less than ten percent in Vienna). Against those odds, the fact that the team has advanced in 3 out of the last 4 years (75%) is very good. The Vienna team of Blaz, Chad, Jen, and Trent are prepared and will certainly be on their way to do battle. Our thanks again to the dean and to some members of the faculty for their support and encouragement. Stay tuned.
-Mike Thorsnes
The team had worked very hard on the brief this year. In neither competition had they ever received recognition. That would change this year. They received the honorable mention for the claimant's brief.
The real victory however is not found on paper. It exists in the skills, dedication, and grit in presenting a well thought out argument. The chances of making it in to the Advanced rounds are 17% (and less than ten percent in Vienna). Against those odds, the fact that the team has advanced in 3 out of the last 4 years (75%) is very good. The Vienna team of Blaz, Chad, Jen, and Trent are prepared and will certainly be on their way to do battle. Our thanks again to the dean and to some members of the faculty for their support and encouragement. Stay tuned.
-Mike Thorsnes