Recently the Penn State Mock Trial team placed 8th in the National Mock Trial Tournament, but this was not made known to many. This is unfortunate for the talented, hard-working, dedicated members of this team. Why must an organization that placed highly in a national competition struggle for recognition? Furthermore, why did the students on this team face many obstacles in obtaining funding from the university for the chance to compete? Penn State actually qualified two teams, but was only able to send one due to funding concerns. In contrast, had the football or men's basketball teams achieved success worthy of post-season competition, they would have easily found financial support and recognition from Penn State.

To state it more directly, the members of Penn State Mock Trial are better at what they do than the football and men's basketball teams were this year, and, dare I predict, will be in the near future. I would also venture to say that as my fellow teammates and the other members of Mock Trial pursue careers as successful lawyers, they will benefit the university more in reputation and donations. How many Penn State football players will achieve high status in the NFL, relative to the number that are, have been, and will be members of team?

I draw the analogy between an intellectual achievement and athletics because it is the most glaring dichotomy at this university. Given the opportunity to support a growing and successful student organization, Penn State dropped the ball.