As the spring approaches, every OP student has the same question in their minds, mulling it over and stressing over its truth: what was the result of the Mock Trial season? Fear not fellow Rams, for I am here to deliver the news.
After a long season, the Mock Trial team was unfortunately defeated in the County Semi-finals. I know this loss stings EVERYONE greatly, as the Mock Trial team is seemingly the crown jewel of Oratory Prep. During our final trial, the Plaintiff team led by Joshua D’Cruz and Noah Tockarshewsky gave it their all. After masterfully crafted testimonies from Witnesses Kieran Philbrick, James Wilkes and John Barbanell, we were simply met with better competition.
As the judges delivered their verdict, we were instantly met with PTSD from last year. They had once again won by a singular point, which is a very minuscule difference in the Mock Trial scene. Another crushing defeat, another seemingly 6 months of work down the drain.
On the other side, the defense boasts their undefeated record, only facing one team in the entire competition. Led by Myself and Marco Buonaiuto, we put no less work into making sure that we could provide the best material possible and ensure our team’s victory. I speak for the defense when I say we are very bummed we only got to show off our progress once, but we’re happy the time we put in will translate to experience next year.
Like any Mock Trial season, I’d like to extend my thanks to the Captains this year. Josh, I appreciate your commitment to the team, and I’ll never forget our late night calls talking about the same direct over and over again. I wish you luck in your future endeavors and I know you’ll go on to do great things. Joey, I’ll miss your comments and advice. I’ll miss your wisdom and your team spirit. You aided the team so much and we were so lucky to have such a valuable subordinate. Marco, I was lucky to have such a hard-working co-council. Your help at the table was invaluable and I really wish we could’ve had more time in the spotlight. We still have one more year, so please continue to work hard. To Mr. Martin, thank you for the effort you put into this program, especially when we aren’t deserving. Thank you for keeping your composure when you hear the same awful cross for the 80th time. Thank you for welcoming me into your office during CWP just to help me with the same stuff you did yesterday (because apparently it goes in one ear and out the other). Your commitment to this program is invaluable and the entire team appreciates you so much!
While the end of the Mock Trial season is upsetting, we look to the rest of the year with promise. On the bright side, we’ve been granted two hours after school back to us, time I have no doubt we will all waste. I can’t wait for next year’s season and I know we’ll make it farther. If you’re reading this (again, thank you), please consider joining the team. We need young talent and new faces to keep such a prestigious and amazing program alive.
