2015 Chairman's Predictions [Archive]

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Jacob Bendicksen

12-04-2015, 23:18

Hey everybody,
Now that the Week 7 events are done, the teams competing for the 2015 Championship Chairman's Award are set. 69 teams will present in St. Louis, and one of them will become the newest member of the Hall of Fame.

The question is - who will it be? All of the submissions are posted here (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/chairmans-award-resources/2015-chairmans-award-winners%20), so read 'em and weigh in below. Additionally, all of the teams competing and some information about their awards histories can be found here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15rpThUBNjqeIDZ-_D4BjXzBiQpvluxqz1aB8DcgTSIo/edit#gid=0) (thanks, Wil!). As was the case with this thread last year, please refrain from talking about your own team - it makes for a better-balanced discussion.

PayneTrain

12-04-2015, 23:43

Might be cool if you link the document with all of the winners and times won, etc in the OP as well.

Jscout11

13-04-2015, 00:06

I'm never really sure how to feel about this. There are so many great teams on the list year in and year out, and it's really hard to get a grasp on all the great things they do, let alone pick one. Not to mention, there is a lot more that goes into it than just what they have accomplished and how many times they have won. For me, being a chairman's team is, in part, about making the goals of FIRST the goals of your team, and embedding them in the culture of your team and every single thing that you do. It's something that's really hard to gauge without getting to know and interact with each team on a personal level.

And a lot of it has to do with strength of submission. As an example, I think I've watched 27's Chairman's Video from last year over 100 times. It's that good.

That being said, I would like to give some recognition to some teams that I have worked with, encountered, or that have personally inspired me that I think could win it:

987 - HIGHROLLERS
2614 - MARS
3132 - Thunder Down Under
2468 - Team Appreciate
1311 - Kell Robotics
1241 - THEORY 6

dtengineering

13-04-2015, 00:21

1241 in their rookie year billeted our team in Toronto (they did it again in second year) and showed us how FRC should be played.

There are lots of awesome teams worthy of the Championship Chairman's, but they have a strong track record of awesome going back over a decade now.

From the PNW area, I know 360 "The Revolution" and their alumni have had a huge impact on the game out here, and while they aren't in the running this year, I'd love to see them recognized eventually. 1983 "The Skunks" might be a bit 'young' just yet to be recognized, but they have a pretty consistent record of FRC awesomeness and will likely be on the 'predictions' list one of these years.

Jason

AdamHeard

13-04-2015, 00:33

Im pulling for 987.

Kevin Leonard

13-04-2015, 00:33

I think the obvious contenders are 503, 604, 987, 1511, 1540, and 2486.
I personally have had a lot of experience with 1511, and they are a world class team through and through.
I also think 1714 is a great contender with a fantastic program.

If I had to pick one, I'd pick 987.

SoulianPride

13-04-2015, 00:42

I'm looking towards 503 or 2137 - Both have amazing and detailed programs

connor.worley

13-04-2015, 00:46

987 is the favorite.

Akash Rastogi

13-04-2015, 00:53

I've predicted them right for a few years now, but this year is a little tough. I'm calling 987 as well - their mentors are amazing, they've built a crazy program from the ground up against huge obstacles, and have influenced teams literally around the world. And the following for EI if they aren't in the same divisions:

11:rolleyes:
125:D
2468
2056

RonAyyyyyyyy

13-04-2015, 00:56

I think 604, 987, 1241, 1885, and 3132 are the favorites, but personally I'm pulling for 932, the stuff they've done in their hometown is incredible.

Thad House

13-04-2015, 00:57

I might put 1540 in as favorites this year. This I think is their 6th year winning chairmans advancing them to worlds, and if they are not favorites this year they definitely will be in a year or 2.

Akash Rastogi

13-04-2015, 01:03

I might put 1540 in as favorites this year. This I think is their 6th year winning chairmans advancing them to worlds, and if they are not favorites this year they definitely will be in a year or 2.

They've definitely been consistent, but other consistent teams have also won in multiple areas/regionals. I think that is the true test of a team.

Ginger Power

13-04-2015, 02:25

I think 1816 has got to be in the conversation. I'm obviously regionally biased, but they basically started robotics in Minnesota which now has over 190 FRC teams. I personally wouldn't have the oppurtunity to be involved with FIRST Robotics if it weren't for 1816, and I'm sure there are thousands if not tens of thousands of other students, parents, and mentors who could say the same thing.

waialua359

13-04-2015, 02:41

I'm loving the predictions. Always fun to read. Someone else already selected my favorite since Week 1.

3132 definitely will win it one day as they are doing things most teams if not all, would not be able to do. Relatively young team though and lots of possible winners already waiting in the cue much longer.

If I was a CCA judge, I'd ask myself two questions. 1. Is this team a household name? Is their video worthy of showing the rest of the World what a true inspiring team looks like?
If a team is worthy of winning it above all, the answers would be very easy to see. You don't become a household name without exceling in all areas of a program that the rest of the World notices.

There are many great programs that are true examples of what teams should aspire to be, but unfortunately only one winner per year (as of now), which makes it so grueling and tough to have to compete for.

Justin Montois

13-04-2015, 08:44

Hoping for 987!

I had a chance to talk with some of their students and mentors most recently at the Dallas Regional but very often over the past few years. They are just an incredible team. The things they are doing in China are impressive. They have been able to transform their school through various grants. This plus numerous other outreach initiatives. They also produce incredible robots year after year which might not be a part of the criteria for a Hall of Fame team but as far as i'm concerned HoF teams should be able to bring it on and off the field. They are a Hall of Fame team without being in the Hall of Fame.....yet.

Hot_Copper_Frog

13-04-2015, 10:36

Right now, 68 Truck Town Thunder, 1540 Flaming Chickens, and 2283 Panteras have caught my eye as strong contenders.

MaGiC_PiKaChU

13-04-2015, 10:52

1511 - Rolling thunder is definitely a strong candidate for this year :)

Ben Martin

13-04-2015, 10:58

+1 987. Of all the teams listed, their program is the one that most inspires me.

MaGiC_PiKaChU

13-04-2015, 11:27

+1 987. Of all the teams listed, their program is the one that most inspires me.

i love how teams like 987 can have the potential to win Einstein AND be one of the most inspiring teams in FRC

Nuttyman54

13-04-2015, 11:55

i love how teams like 987 can have the potential to win Einstein AND be one of the most inspiring teams in FRC

That can be said of most of the current Hall of Fame (or could at the time when they were inducted). I don't believe this is a coincidence.

They've definitely been consistent, but other consistent teams have also won in multiple areas/regionals. I think that is the true test of a team.

1540 won RCA in Oklahoma 2012, in addition to being a regular in the PNW.

JaneYoung

13-04-2015, 12:35

1511 - Rolling Thunder.

Solid program. Solid.

Passion is a great attribute for any team/team member. Clear understanding, knowledge, applicable skill sets, and impact that are fueled by passion - is a winning program. And it has been for a long time.

1511.

Andrew Lawrence

13-04-2015, 12:40

i love how teams like 987 can have the potential to win Einstein AND be one of the most inspiring teams in FRC

That means they're doing it right.

Dancin103

13-04-2015, 12:40

Not counting the number of district Chairman's awards teams have won, ~39% of 2015 Regional / State Championship Chairman's award winners won the award this year for the first time.

A lot of the teams that have won have amazing programs, I can't wait to see who we get to induct into the Hall of Fame. Good luck to all!

cadandcookies

13-04-2015, 12:40

At first glance, the teams that stick out to me are 503, 987, and 1311. I'll come back after I've gotten through all the submissions.

LiamN2046

13-04-2015, 13:15

Team 1540 has the strongest program in the PNW and I would love to see them be recognized for it.

JoeWithTheSpecs

13-04-2015, 13:24

Other than 987, I would say 503 and 2283 are the other two top contenders.
I would add 3132 and 3478 as contenders, but, they might be too young of teams to be considered, but who knows. (quick side-note, anyone else not able to read 3478's submission? It seems they uploaded 2338's submission twice, once as 2338.pdf and again as 3478.pdf)

This is just based on the teams I've personally interacted with at events I've been to. There might be some others that have great programs that I just don't know enough about.

Alicia V

13-04-2015, 13:33

I might put 1540 in as favorites this year. This I think is their 6th year winning chairmans advancing them to worlds, and if they are not favorites this year they definitely will be in a year or 2.

I agree. Their Chairman's program is well known among PNW teams and definitely recognized. I hope they win and represent us.

Bob Steele

13-04-2015, 13:38

I will add my vote for 1540 from the PNW. They have been the team we have always looked up to and have consistently shown great support for FIRST in Oregon. Quite a record.

ehoyla

13-04-2015, 13:46

Pulling for our sister team 1511 :)

ghostmachine360

13-04-2015, 14:06

Rooting for 503 and 987. Strong programs.

sergioCorral842

13-04-2015, 14:09

I would like to pop in to give my support for 2486, The Coconuts. Their program is truly inspirational here in Arizona and a great role model for teams everywhere.

Gaurav27

13-04-2015, 14:35

That being said, I would like to give some recognition to some teams that I have worked with, encountered, or that have personally inspired me that I think could win it:

987 - HIGHROLLERS
2614 - MARS
3132 - Thunder Down Under
2468 - Team Appreciate
1311 - Kell Robotics
1241 - THEORY 6

1241 in their rookie year billeted our team in Toronto (they did it again in second year) and showed us how FRC should be played.

Jason

Thank you Jack and Jason.
In addition to the teams already mentioned; SWAT Team 771 has made a tremendous impact internationally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro5tiIIwziI
http://swat771.com/

Jonathan Norris

13-04-2015, 14:42

I agree with most that its time for 987 to win.

Personally I wouldn't be surprised to see one of 1241/2056/3132 win within the next 3 years. Both 1241 and 2056 are incredible programs, they constantly produce great students who go onto mentor/volunteer. Both teams have been integral for the growth of FIRST in Canada.

I was seriously impressed by 3132 when playing with them Hawaii, they are having a huge impact spreading FIRST outside of North America. There are some great teams starting in Australia/Asia, with a team like 3132 leading the pack I can see the region being as strong as Canada within a couple years. Its probably still a bit early for them to win, but they are my dark horse candidate for the next couple years, especially with how inspiring their Chairmans Video is :ahh:

M1KRONAUT

13-04-2015, 14:49

I think that 3184, Blaze Robotics has a shot at the award (at least the regional one) next year. They were really great about helping other teams, even going as far as letting a team borrow a RoboRIO.

lynca

13-04-2015, 14:50

This is always one of my favorite threads leading up to championship.

chairman's wins:
9 - 503 Frog Force - Michigan
8 - 604 Quixilver - California
7 - 1311 Kell Robotics - Georgia
6 - 2486 CocoNuts - Arizona
6 - 1305 Ice Cubed - Ontario
6 - 1511 Rolling Thunder - New York
6 - 1540 Flaming Chickens - Oregon

All of these teams are very deserving and it will be a tough choice for the judges, but I'm fairly certain it will be one of these teams.

AndrewPospeshil

13-04-2015, 15:51

Are you allowed to root for your own team? :D

My favorites are Panteras (2283) and Truck Town Thunder (68), although I'm leaning towards 2283. It's just very unlikely for 2 MI teams to win back-to-back; I think the shortest gap between two teams from the same state/region has been the X-Cats' '92 and '94 wins (correct me if I'm wrong), although that was a looooong time ago.

AllenGregoryIV

13-04-2015, 17:12

I'd love to see 1311 win it, they are very underrated in my opinion.

The video series they did with some of the top mentors in FIRST was just awesome. Here is the link to the youtube playlist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qatsk5WLJlA&list=PLQirytB6kTwocfytvAuOQCBBWPCOh0715&index=3)for people that never saw it.

987 and 503, like others have said are both very deserving and will win the big trophy very shortly if not this year.

cadandcookies

13-04-2015, 17:35

ebarker

13-04-2015, 17:50

I really like 2486, Coconuts. I saw they Chairman's presentation in St. Louis and they are just a really cool impactful team !!

Ed

pandamonium

13-04-2015, 19:51

1511 - Rolling Thunder -

2486 - The Coconuts -

987 - High Rollers -

*Disclaimer: I am a former member of team 1511*

Jacob.B

13-04-2015, 20:03

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOo7CSH6Aak

If anyone wants to watch our Chairman's Award video, here ya go!

JB987

13-04-2015, 23:46

I just started watching the Chairman's videos...and already I am so impressed and inspired by all of the great teams representing the ideals of FIRST. For those of you who haven't found the link (not easily found on the FIRST website) I encourage you to visit and view the collection of videos and to read as many Chairman's submissions as you have time for. Impossible not to come away proud of the efforts of all these fantastic Chairman's teams. :)

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/chairmans-award-resources/2015-chairmans-award-winners

waialua359

14-04-2015, 02:50

Metonym

14-04-2015, 06:01

I thought I would mention a few of the videos that really stood out to me in that list. I'm harsh, so most didn't even get 30 seconds of my time, but these got me to watch the entire video. This is by no means a list of teams that I believe will win. I'm putting my bets on 987, 503, or 1540 for that.

1710 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QreXTm0h3j4 - works to be like 27 in the video style, but actually focuses on what they do rather than give general outlines and hope that the video explains the rest.

2630 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_OeJtCfDOQ - music was a bit too punchy for me, but the video was well done. I really like the use of graphics, which are rarely used by other FIRST teams.

3132 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkmVYwmHm_4 - the music really does it for me. Most teams don't use such subtle music that really emphasizes what the people are saying

399 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyN7DFGV2gI - Get past the meh quality voice over and you have a pretty good video overall. Kinda similar to 1710.

195 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Le4EITbhFc - If you want a great interview style video, this is it. No annoying audio to get in the way of some great testimonials from various people. A few of the cuts were a bit rough, but I like that they incorporate a lot more than just students and they keep the quality of video consistent, which most teams don't.

One thing all teams could work on is getting a teleprompter and not having people scan each line. If you aim people away from the camera we all know that you are doing it to make it harder to tell that they are reading the script.

Videos are tough to make, but I think the quality of videos as been on an overall rise after teams saw what 27 and 1538 could put out. 1538 got well lit interviews down, I don't think anyone can argue that, but 27 really pushed the envelope, showing that a good Chairman's video could be more than just interview and random footage. They picked a great piece of music that really fit their video, which teams should really think about; even more importantly CITE YOUR MUSIC. I don't care what licensed or royalty free music you use, you NEED to cite the music and you especially need to if the music isn't licensed or royalty free. Most of the videos that have been released lack a citation, which is really insulting to artists that put a lot of time into making music.

tim-tim

14-04-2015, 06:22

This year will be interesting. I also like what Kell (1311) has been able to do.

MooreteP

14-04-2015, 06:22

987 may be a lock, but 1868 is a dark horse.

JB987

14-04-2015, 11:51

Good gosh...no such thing as a lock when there are so many awesome, deserving teams fulfilling FIRST's mission. On the other hand, if you were one of the Chairman's judges...:D

Pauline Tasci

14-04-2015, 12:14

really hoping for 987! they have an amazing program with some of the most humble people and competitive robots.

dodar

14-04-2015, 12:22

Gotta root for 1902. Bacon has to win it sooner or later.

Rachel Lim

14-04-2015, 12:39

I'd say 604 Quixilver will be the next California HOF team. With 8 RCA wins, a 6 year streak, and an amazing program it's just a matter of time. If 1538 wasn't also from CA I'd be saying it's them for sure, but even now they have a great chance at setting the record for a state's most frequent win (with the exception of 191).

Outside of CA, 987, 1540, 503, 1511, 2486 and 1902 are teams I'd expect to see win soon. I think 2468, 1983, 340, 1241, and 2056 will be very strong contenders in the next few years.

I just realized how many teams that was...

Link07

14-04-2015, 18:20

Just for fun (Not sure how the geography plays out):

2015: 987
2016: 1311
2017: 604 + 503
2018: 1540 + 1902
2019: 2486 + 1511
2020: 1710 + 2056

Bryce Paputa

14-04-2015, 22:20

Just for fun (Not sure how the geography plays out):

2015: 987
2016: 1311
2017: 604 + 503
2018: 1540 + 1902
2019: 2486 + 1511
2020: 1710 + 2056

And I thought predicting one week in advance was crazy...

kristinweiss

22-04-2015, 16:07

I am rooting for 1311! I would love to see a Georgia team win and 1311 is very under rated considering everything they do to further the ideals of FIRST!

1629GaCo

22-04-2015, 19:16

1629 GaCo, but I am bias!!!

Wendy Holladay

23-04-2015, 21:41