It was only several weeks ago that CMC's Mock Trial team got news it was invited to the biggest competition of the year: the American Mock Trial National Championship, held April 16-18 in Memphis, Tenn. (Read story)
After considering which 10 of its 30 competitors would represent the College at nationals, the abbreviated CMC Mock Trial team arrived in Tennessee aware that their participation was no small achievement. While more than 600 mock trial teams registered this year, just 48 (less than 8 percent) made it to this final stage of competition, says Abhi Nemani '10. "We certainly were honored to earn an invitation."
In Memphis, Nemani says CMCers were hit strong by leading teams, including defending national champions Northwood University and Yale University. Still, Claremont McKenna's team finished in the top 20 of their division. "Our members put forth amazing performances, as was evidenced by some exciting awards received at the awards ceremony," Nemani says.
Those achievements were:
Abhi Nemani '10, recipient of two All-American attorney awards with a perfect 20 ranks on the Prosecution, and 17 ranks on the Defense.
Dani Spencer '12, recipient of an All-American witness award for playing a Russian movie star, with 17 ranks on the Defense.
CMC also, for the second consecutive year, received the honorable mention for the Spirit of AMTA Award, which, says Nemani, honors the sportsmanship and friendliness of CMC's team.