CAGE Match 2013

[Taylor]

The Digital Goats and CyberCards proudly present
CAGE Match 2013 (http://www.thecagematch.com)
Saturday, October 19th
Southport Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, IN
With help from our friends at AndyMark (http://andymark.com) and IndianaFIRST (http://www.indianafirst.org)

This sixth annual one-day event was created to introduce people to FIRST Robotics. Teams are encouraged to bring rookie drive teams. We will once again host a "what to expect your first year" Student Roundtable Discussion and Adult Roundtable Discussion. We'll continue to have a blood drive, donations for the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, a silent auction funding the third annual Art Anderson Memorial Scholarship, and we've got some fresh ideas for competing teams.
Last year we had 32 teams register; we hope to replicate that again.

Who's excited to rattle the CAGE?

[Jimmy Nichols]

I'm hopping we can make it over this year. Been trying to come for the last couple years.

[Robby Unruh]

3266 always has an awesome time at CAGE Match, we're looking forward to coming back again this year!
Hopefully our friends from 1038 can make it over. ;)

[Taylor]

Preliminary Unofficial Preliminary Potential Preliminary Team List (draft):

1. 829
2. 1038
3. 1529
4. 3266

Who's next?

[MechEng83]

1741 will be there, along with our Silly Science Fair for the younger kids.

[mklinker]

4485 Plans to attend! We have made several off season changes to our robot and expect to be much more competitive!

[ratdude747]

I plan to attend as a volunteer. Does that count?

[Peyton Yeung]

45 is planning on going. Especially since we usually do the electrical work

[Taylor]

45 is planning on going. Especially since we usually do the electrical work

Yes. Since the inception of CAGE Match, the Andersons and Carmains and other 45 folks have graciously set up the pit electrical system and are much appreciated for their critical yet thankless work. No wonder they're VOY/WFFAs.

1. 45
2. 829
3. 1038
4. 1529
5. 1741
6. 3266
7. 4485
8. Larry :)

[ebmonon36]

1018 is planning to attend.

[Wayne Doenges]

FRC Team 1501 will be there. Who else is going to fix the computer issues :rolleyes:
I will be there as a volunteer referee :D

[Taylor]

If you're making changes to your robot, or are just excited about the CAGE Match, we invite you to create a Vine video (http://vine.co)showing your progress and/or unbridled joy. Tag it with #thecagematch and #omgrobots and we'll not only RT it on our twitter feed @CAGERobotics (https://twitter.com/cagerobotics), but we'll show them live at the event!

There is more exciting information soon to come, but for now that's all we can legally share.

So far, the unofficial team list is:
1. 45
2. 829
3. 1018
4. 1038
5. 1501
6. 1529
7. 1741
8. 3266
9. 4485

We've had a few questions about registration. We've got August 1 targeted as the opening day for registering, all teams in by the end of August get a discount, and all team and volunteer signups will be through the website (http://thecagematch.com/main/?page_id=113).

[jmiller48167]

I Know Of A certain Ref That Has A Few Weeks Of Experience This Year Is Looking ForwardTo Traveling To Indy Once Again. I Wonder Who? :rolleyes:

[sprocketman92]

Team 3947 wants to start our third year the way we did our first and second, at cage match! Team 3947 will be there!

[Taylor]

Online volunteer form (http://thecagematch.com/main/?page_id=49)is online! Sign up for coveted field spots soon!

So far, the unofficial team list is:
1. 45
2. 829
3. 1018
4. 1038
5. 1501
6. 1529
7. 1741
8. 3266
9. 3947
10. 4485

[Carolyn_Grace]

Add 3176 to that list! :) You know we'll be there.

[Dustin Shadbolt]

I'll definitely try to come down. I love some CAGE action on an October morning.:D

[Taylor]

Registration is now open. Go to www.thecagematch.com (http://thecagematch.com/main/?page_id=113)to register your team, volunteer for a position, see who's coming, and learn all there is to know about the best offseason tournament.
In Indiana.
In October.

Also - for those who register by 8/30, there is a $50 discount, so take advantage of that!

[Taylor]

Exciting news: The 2013 CAGE Match will feature Food Trucks!
Pierogi Love Indy (https://squareup.com/market/pierogi-love-~indy) (Twitter) (https://twitter.com/Pierogiloveindy)
Taste The Caribbean (http://roaminghunger.com/taste-the-caribbean) (Twitter) (https://twitter.com/Caribbean_Taste)
Groovy Guys Fries (http://www.yelp.com/biz/groovy-guys-fries-indianapolis) (Twitter) (https://twitter.com/GroovyGuysFries)

There are a Baker's dozen teams registered so far; you can check out the updated listing on the Who's Coming (http://thecagematch.com/main/?page_id=134) page of the CAGE Match website (http://thecagematch.com).

More news coming soon!

[Carolyn_Grace]

Team 3176 should be there too!

I'm really excited for Food Trucks! Indy Food trucks are the best.

[Jimmy Nichols]

I'm not sure if we will make it. We were asked to come to the Cincy Mini Maker Faire and showcase FIRST and FRC. So we are brining our practice field and robots to show.

[IndySam]

234
447
461
829
1501
1529
1741
1760
2171
3259
3266
3565
3947
4824
4580
4485

Halfway to full, don't miss out be sure and register soon!

[IndySam]

45
234
447
461
829
1024
1501
1529
1741
1760
2171
3259
3266
3565
3947
4272
4485
4580
4824

19 registered and we will probably save a couple spots for pre-rookies so don't miss out. $50 early bird discount is still available.

[Taylor]

45
20 registered and we will probably save a couple spots for pre-rookies so don't miss out. $50 early bird discount is still available.

He's right. We're capping the event at 32 teams for two reasons - to make sure everybody gets enough qualification rounds, and to make sure everybody gets a chance to play in eliminations (we'll use 4-team alliances like IRI, but each team must play at least once per round).

We also may reserve spots for pre-rookies that aren't visibly registered. So there are effectively 8 spots remaining :)

[cnepo]

Team 868, the TechHOUNDS will be attending!

We will also be bringing our pre-rookie team from Fishers, "Tiger Dynasty"! They are very excited to be competing and we are very excited to be there to help and introduce them to all you amazing people!:)

[Dustin Shadbolt]

Team 868, the TechHOUNDS will be attending!

We will also be bringing our pre-rookie team from Fishers, "Tiger Dynasty"! They are very excited to be competing and we are very excited to be there to help and introduce them to all you amazing people!:)

Woot! Always great to hear about a new team!

[Josh Drake]

I'll have to see if I can make the trip, sounds like a bunch of fun :D

[Taylor]

I'll have to see if I can make the trip, sounds like a bunch of fun :D
As you can see from his signature, Josh hails from Bedford, IN - a town that may spawn a rookie team for the 2014 season. One of the traditions we have established at the CAGE Match is that rookie teams and rookie members of veteran teams are valued and celebrated. Teams are encouraged to have new hands on the joysticks and behind the glass (although if the drive coach is a veteran member, that's probably a good idea); we offer separate Adult and Student Roundtable Discussions, led by our resident Volunteer Coordinator (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/member.php?u=31915) and FIRST Vista (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/member.php?u=15407), that focus on new team members; also several veteran teams offer their 'practice' robots to pre-rookie teams so they may get some competition experience before their first build season. Some of the teams that have spawned from this are rookie award winners 3176, 3487, 3494, 3940, 3947, and 4008
This experience can be enhanced by participation in BPRC - a November event in Brownsburg, IN which features a rookie quick-build workshop in addition to the competition.
Current registered teams:

1529
4485
3259
3565
447 ++ +
3947
829 +
461
1760
1741 ++ C
1501
234 ++ +
3266
2171
4824
4580
45
4272
1024
1646 ++
3176
868 ++ ++
8682 *
3940
1018

C 2013 RCA Winners
++ 2013 Regional Winners
+ 2013 Regional Finalists
* 2014 Pre-Rookies

[Josh Drake]

That's a big MAY, unless you know something I don't. Either word gets around, or I'm out of some loop that I would love to be in :p
Still trying, but the season is fast approaching....
There's a team in B-Town that needs to come to CAGE, IMO

[IndySam]

45
234
447
461
829
868
1018
1024
1501
1529
1646
1741
1760
2171
3176
3259
3266
3494
3565
3940
3947
4272
4485
4580
4824
8682

26 registered don't miss out. $50 early bird discount is still available.

[Taylor]

We're at 30 teams registered currently. The cap is 32 - to make sure each team gets sufficient qualification match play and all teams can participate in eliminations (4-team alliances).
We're not freezing registration, but any other teams who sign up will be put on a waiting list. This way pre-rookies that have not yet registered can gain competition experience. Thank you for your understanding.
Remember - there's also a November competition in Indiana - the BPRC on 11/16.

[Taylor]

The following blast went out to the 32 participating teams; if your team did not get an email, please let me know ASAP!

2013 CAGE Registrants,
We are putting all of our ducks in a row and finishing details for an amazing event for you. As such, there are some changes we would like to bring to your attention.

1) All teams are invited to bring any Chairman's Outreach displays you may have. These will be featured near the new concessions area. Please let us know what you intend to bring so we can stage items properly.

2) All teams are encourage to share their Chairman's videos from 2013. We would like to recognize the on and off field accomplishments of all participating teams. Even if you weren’t nominated for an award this year, we’re positive your team did wonderful things and we’d like to display our FIRST pride. Please send links to videos to brett-at-andymark.com.

3) We would like to create an FRC Robot Quick Build Manual. Teams competing at CAGE will receive a guide with chapters outlining different parts of building and maintaining an FRC robot. If your team has an interest in writing a chapter please let us know. We already have the following lined up: 868: CAD, 3176: Team Organization, 829: Pneumatics

4) We mentioned that concessions is in a new area. THATS RIGHT! No longer will you have to traverse to the top of the field house. This year we will be featuring the "Pierogi Love Indy", "Taste of the Caribbean", and "Groovy Guys Fries" food trucks. Drinks and light snacks will also be available at our new concessions location.

5) As we work with Dean's homework to "Make it Loud" we are looking to increase our media outlets. If your team has anyone interested in serving as either a roving pit reporter, camera person, or game commentator, please let us know. (this can be done through the volunteering form)
As with any event, it would be impossible to run without volunteers. We ask that each participating team send at least one individual to volunteer for the event. Volunteering is a great way to get close to the action and really see the fun in FRC events. No experience necessary – we’ll train interested people for (almost) any position. Volunteers will receive an email from the Volunteer Coordinator about the position for which they have applied. Below is the link for volunteering.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eudFdlPAI8AoyPTKdqr1MPV08bQYzdffxdQxdq1vrkQ/viewform
As FIRST continues to grow we wish to remember those who have given to this community. One such individual, whom we miss dearly, is Art Anderson. We will continue to support the Arthur Anderson Memorial Scholarship for high school Seniors attending CAGE. Requirements and directions for the scholarship can also be found on the cage website in the scholarship tab.

One of the ways we fund the scholarship is through the silent auction. Encourage your team to participate and donate items in the silent auction.
More details and updates will be in emails between now up to the event. See you at the CAGE!

-the CAGE Match Planning Committee

Official Team List:

45 TechnoKats
234 Cyber Blue
292 PantherTech
447 Team Roboto
461 Westside Boiler Invasion
829 The Digital Goats
868 TechHOUNDS
1018 Pike Robodevils
1024 Kil-A-Bytes
1501 Team THRUST
1529 CyberCards
1646 Precision Guessworks
1720 PhyXTGears
1741 Red Alert
1747 Harrison Boiler Robotics
1760 RoboTitans
2171 Robodogs
3176 Purple Precision
3259 Thoroughbots
3266 Robots-R-Us
3487 The EarthQuakers
3494 Quadrangles
3565 T.R.E.A.D.S.
3940 CyberTooth
3947 The Last Crusaders
4008 Theodore Roosevelt's Disco Haircut
4272 Maverick Boiler Robotics
4485 Tribe Tech
4580 BDGiants
4824 BerryBotics
8682 Tiger Dynasty - 2014 Rookie
20140092 GalacTech - 2014 Rookie

[Wayne Doenges]

I can't wait for CAGE Match!!!

I hope all the teams have rookie drivers that can get their chance to play the game.

[RARScoutingCapt]

Do you know when there will be a match schedule? For our scouting application we will need to pre-enter matches

[Taylor]

Do you know when there will be a match schedule? For our scouting application we will need to pre-enter matches

Hi Ka'oe! Great idea. We're still finishing up some logistics, but we hope to have a Frank-style-Preliminary match schedule available a week before the event.
If there are any other suggestions, let us know!

[RARScoutingCapt]

Not at the moment that's all and thanks!

[Taylor]

The following email went out to team leaders on Tuesday:

Hello Teams!
We’ve got a few items to share with you as we’re all getting ready for the greatest FRC off-season event in Indiana in October!
Check In – All teams will load in from the south end of the Atrium (the big glass structure between brick buildings These doors are double-wide and can take robots, carts, and pit items. We will have volunteers stationed inside with any registration information we may have for you, and they will also take your Ronald McDonald House donations at that time. If you let them know your donation item count at that time, it will save us lots of work.
Volunteers – All teams are encouraged to supply at least one volunteer for the event. As we move toward Districts in 2015, it is imperative that we have a strong volunteer base in order to host many events. If you have team members that are interested in volunteering but don’t have experience, that’s great – CAGE Match is designed as a training event anyway. Just let us know and we’ll set you up with a knowledgeable mentor. All volunteer signups can be done through the website. We’re particularly in need of referees and scorekeepers.
Commentators – Something we’re going to try this year is to have some off-field commentators discuss matches, teams, events, FIRST people, etc. to create a more fluid and educational experience for the spectators. If you or somebody on your team loves to talk about FIRST, please let me (Mike Taylor) know ASAP.
Roving Reporters – We plan to have one or two reporters, with camera-people, on the sidelines, in the pits, and generally milling about the event; conducting spot interviews with participants, highlighting interesting off-the-field happenings, and creating a more complete experience for spectators. If you or somebody on your team has interest in being a roving reporter or a cameraperson, please let me (Mike Taylor) know ASAP.
Match Schedule – We will have a preliminary schedule ready the week before the event. Please note if any teams drop out of the competition or do not show the day of, this schedule will not be the same as posted.
Connection testing – Doors open at 7:30 and opening ceremonies begin at 8:45. We would like for teams to come to the field during this time for a connection test. We wish to make sure everything is ready to go for you when we begin matches.
Alliance Selections – The sixth annual CAGE Match will feature 31 of the best FRC teams in the Midwest. Alliance selections will go 1-8, 8-1, then 2-8. All teams are required to play at least once per elimination round; the top seeded alliance will have 3 teams.
Concessions – Sorry, we’re not going to make you hike up stairs to get your food any more. I know you all enjoyed the exercise you got from it. This year, concessions will be in the atrium area to the east of the Fieldhouse (same area as registration). We will provide beverages, chips, and snacks. Entrée items will be provided by the Pierogi Love Indy, Taste of the Caribbean, and Groovy Guys Fries food trucks. We will have menu and pricing available when teams register at the event, and pre-orders may be made at the concessions area to make things smoother at our scheduled lunch break. We are very grateful for these businesses supporting us, and we appreciate you patronizing these fine vendors.
Outreach – Many teams do outstanding things throughout the year, but often we don’t get to hear about them. All teams are invited and encouraged to bring any displays they may have that celebrate the outreach they’ve done over the past year. These may be pit displays, Chairman’s presentation displays, or otherwise. Please let me (Mike Taylor) know as soon as possible that you do plan to bring a display, and we can get a space set up for you.
Chairman’s Video – Another way we would like to honor your team’s off-field achievements is by playing Chairman’s videos throughout the event. ALL teams are invited and encouraged to send us your video – or send us a link to it – so we may highlight you at the CAGE Match.
Silent Auction – As usual, we will have a silent auction with the proceeds funding the Art Anderson Memorial Scholarship. Each year we’ve been able to award $1,000 or more to a very deserving Senior FIRST student. Let’s keep up this tradition – bring items to put up for Auction, and bring your checkbooks as well!
Instant Replay – As an aid to the Commentators, and to provide a more well-rounded experience for spectators, we may feature instant replays between matches. It should be clear that these replays are for entertainment purposes only, and have no bearing on match play or outcome. All referee rulings are final.

See you on the 19th,
-CAGE Match Planning Committee

One more thing that didn't make it in the blast because we just came up with it last night:
Please put your team number on your router and give it to the volunteer when you register. We will handle encryption for all teams - this way we'll know each team is properly encrypted, can connect to the field, and won't have to wait in line.

[DiehardCybercard]

Hey there friends with robots!

The CAGE Match Schedule is now available for viewing.

2013 CAGE Schedule (http://thecagematch.com/main/documents/Event/Schedule.pdf)

PLEASE BE AWARE: If teams are unable to attend the event this schedule will no longer be accurate.

This schedule will also be emailed to team leaders in the final CAGE Match email blast on Monday the 14th.

See you all the 19th!

[Taylor]

Well, that was fun.
Congratulations to 868, 234, and 2171 on the win. 234 was able to defend their crown - I believe this is three years in a row!
Well done to the finalists 1024, 829, 1529, and 1760. They were valiant in defeat.
Perhaps the greatest struggle was off the field, with the Ronald McDonald House Donations race. Tightly contested between 1747 and 461, the WBIs came out on top with over 5,000 items donated. Over 12,000 items were donated total - that's more than our first three years combined. We're going to have to take two bus trips to take it all in to them! (that's a good problem to have)
A big, huge majQa' to the AndyMark Award of Awesomeness acquirer, Alan Anderson.

And now, for a story.
In 2011, when Woodie Flowers came to the Boilermaker Regional and presented 1501 stud Chris Elston with the WFFA, I was on a mission to get autographs from WFA/WFFAs at the event on a white circle. I got 5 or 7 of them, including Dr. Flowers. Then a freshman girl with red spiky hair ran up to me, exclaimed, "I want to sign it!", yanked the Sharpie out of my hand and scrawled MARIAH 1741 on the tube.
Two years later, she's a Dean's List Finalist, and this year she earned the $1,000 Art Anderson Memorial Scholarship.

Thank you to 45, 234, 1741, 1024, and our cohosts 829 for helping set up and tear down.
Thank you to all the volunteers for donating your time, experience, knowledge, and efforts. I heard many compliments that this was not only the smoothest CAGE Match, but the smoothest offseason event many people had experienced.
Thank you to our friends at Pierogi Love Indy, Taste the Caribbean, and Groovy Guys Fries for providing a fantastic lunch.
Thank you all participating teams for your competitive spirit, camaraderie in the pits, and gracious professionalism.

[bam-bam]

Were there videos? Would love to see them.

[Taylor]

Were there videos? Would love to see them.

I know the event was webcast over IndianaFIRST's YouTube account (http://www.youtube.com/user/IndianaRobotics); I do not know if the matches are/will be archived. I can check that out for you and let you know.

Also, our friends at IndianaFIRST wrote a great wrap-up blog post (http://www.indianafirst.org/blog/article/event-wrap-up-cage-match).