The Government Team snags a wildcard spot in states after being bumped down to third in their district competitions

For some members of the Government Team, second place seemed like a comfortable spot in their district competition. The team had to settle for third however, after a technical mix up had been revealed. This did not affect the team’s chances at states, since they found out on Monday that they had taken a wildcard spot.

The confusion over the results of last week’s competition seemed to stem from the judges. During the scoring process, some judges confused the score cards of MVHS with those of Washington High School. As a result, the second and third place spots of the competition were contested. Eventually Washington High School was awarded second.

Although on paper this seemed like a major loss to the Government Team, according to social studies teacher Christopher Chiang, it did not play a large role in affecting their chances at making the state level competition.

The four wildcard picks were chosen from the top scoring teams around the state that did not place first. Although MVHS placed third, the point values separating it from Washington High School were so minute that it did not prevent the team from getting the wildcard spot on Monday.

Government Team will be going to states on Feb. 4.