Hudson Valley Rally

[anishde]

http://i.imgur.com/aYuGVSO.png

Team 5123 is pleased to announce that the inaugural Hudson Valley Rally will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Yonkers Police Athletic League at 127 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Catering to FRC teams from New York City and the Greater NYC Metro Area, we are welcoming up to 30 teams!

Registration open NOW!:
http://hvr-2016.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at ymhsrobotics@gmail.com

[Sperkowsky]

We will definitely be attending and will happily run the livestream if you want.

[anishde]

Registration for the Hudson Valley Rally is now OPEN, with 29 spots currently available!
Register now at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hudson-valley-rally-tickets-24120780905

[sammyjalex]

Way to go, Mechadogs! Looking forward to an awesome Yonkers off-season!

[anishde]

Volunteer registration for the Hudson Valley Rally is now available at:
http://bit.ly/23vSnV9

[Brian Maher]

I've passed word of this on to 1257. In the absence of Monty Madness, this may be a possibility.

[plnyyanks]

Volunteer registration for the Hudson Valley Rally is now available at:
http://bit.ly/23vSnV9


I'm super sad I have a family commitment that day, otherwise I'd be there in a heartbeat :(

Maybe I'll pop in and help set up the night before...

[Sperkowsky]

Hey quick question. I notice there are still 28 spots available. Being my team signed up I realize it's only you guys and us so far. Are you worried about not having enough people? People are probably not signing up now because its pretty early but, the event may not hit 30. What is the minimum amount of teams that you could host.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[iggy_gim]

We want at least 24 to have a full tournament but we can break even with 20 so I guess that's the minimum. Well do a modified playoff.
Then again we have some "pre-rookie" teams who want to attend and some extra Robots for them to use so well definitely mix them into it.
Thanks for registering guys!

Sent from my SGH-T999L using Tapatalk

[iggy_gim]

I'm super sad I have a family commitment that day, otherwise I'd be there in a heartbeat :(

Maybe I'll pop in and help set up the night before...

We'll take all the help we can!

[Bluman56]

Is there an update on how many teams registered?

[iggy_gim]

We have 10 teams in total.

In a side note, if any team is interested in attending but is hesitant about signing up because they don't know if it'll actually happen (as several people have indicated in emails to us) please know that this will definitely happen so please don't hesitate to sign up!

Thanks for your interest in our event!

Sent from my SGH-T999L using Tapatalk

[iggy_gim]

Hey there folks.

Here is an update for the upcoming HVR off season event.

We still only have four teams (and one prerookie team, 0001) that are fully registered for the event:

335
2869
4361
5123
0001

We need at least 20 teams for this event! If your team is in the NYC metro area we strongly ask that you consider our event! We have a great day planned and are now hosting a dinner for all teams the night before (Friday, June 3) for all teams for no extra cost. The deadline for tea registration is May 20.

Thanks and see you at the Hudson Valley Rally!

[jayred1127]

Hi, my team 4571 really wants to come, but we are concerned about the date. It is the same date as the June SAT. Is there any possibility that the date can be changed?

[iggy_gim]

Yeah we are aware if the conflicting dates. Many of our team members will be going to take their SATs in the morning and will be returning later in the day.

I picked June 4 because it was before the end of school (at least in New York) as I know gaining access to robots and equipment becomes harder in the summer. The previous week is memorial weekend (so that's out of the question) and the following week the facility in which we booked the event is being used.

We thought of three solutions:

Pushing the event later to start at 1:00 and go until late that night or early Sunday

Having the event start later on Saturday and ending at 6:00ish and doing playoffs in Sunday.

Moving the entire event to Sunday.

I know with Sunday though many people may have religious commitments as well, so I am hesitant.

If you are not able to attend because if the SAT I invite you to weigh on the decision making

[swootton]

We have a fundraiser on Saturday AM planned months in advance at Applebees otherwise we would love to attend. The following week is WIWI in Wolcott, CT so that date is out for us as well as most CT teams. Sunday only is an option but a delay of 2 weeks would be better for most CT teams.

Hopefully we can get a group of CT teams to come if the date can be changed.

Thanks,
Steve Wootton
Lead Mentor
NRG4055
Winchester, CT

[Bluman56]

Are there any conflicting events happening on June 18th?

[iggy_gim]

I would have to check with our venue, but before I chnage I need to know how many people could make it if we change it to Sunday vs. June 18th. I've been contacting people about it via email. If you are in Westchester, Connecticut, LI, NJ or NYC team and have not yet been reached out to, please PM me.

Thanks.

[swootton]

While I can only speak specifically about our team. I should be able to get 2-3 other CT teams on board, possibly more. Two in particular would be 237 and 178.

Steve

[iggy_gim]

Hello All.

First let me start by apologizing to all who have been keeping up with our event about the issues with scheduling. Scheduling the event on the day of the SAT was a big oversight, and correcting it has been a pain.

As for the final decision, we have decided to push the competition back one day to Sunday, June 5, 2016. This decision was made after consultation with both our volunteers, teams that were already registered and most importantly our hosts, the Yonkers Police Athletic League.

The updated schedule can be found at our website http://hvr-2016.eventbrite.com. Essentially, we will still have drop off on Friday with some practice matches, Saturday will be all practice / scrimmage matches, with the actual competition happening on Sunday.

Furthermore, I have set the deadline for registration for May 21, 2016. If we do not get at least 18 teams by that day, we will have to cancel the event, and all who registered will receive a full refund of the registration cost. Hopefully it does not come down to that though...

Hopefully the change in schedule works for more teams and we can make this awesome event happen!

If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me or email ymhsrobotics@gmail.com

[swootton]

Is it OK to load in on Sunday AM? Also how early could we load in on Sunday AM?
We would not stay overnight and a two way trip on Saturday afternoon after our fundraiser would be a bit much at 2hours each way.

Thanks,
Steve
NRG4055

[iggy_gim]

Is it OK to load in on Sunday AM? Also how early could we load in on Sunday AM?
We would not stay overnight and a two way trip on Saturday afternoon after our fundraiser would be a bit much at 2hours each way.

I live right down the street from the gym where we are hosting it, so with sufficient caffeine I could be there by 5 AM. When would you be coming exactly?

[jblay]

Can we have an update on the teams that are currently registered? I couldn't find that list on the website.

[iggy_gim]

Can we have an update on the teams that are currently registered? I couldn't find that list on the website.

I just put it up. But here it is for reference:

Team 333 The Megaladoons
Team 335 SkillsTech Gearbotz
Team 2869 Regal Eagles
Team 4361 Roxbotix
Team 5123 Mechadogs
Team 0001 Pre-Rookie Team

[mdituri]

I am asking 3314 if they want to go. You really need to send an email blast to the FIRST Mid-Atlantic teams. I only heard about this since one of my students who reads CD religiously told me. There are plenty of Northern/ Central NJ teams within a reasonable driving distance.

[Brian Maher]

I am asking 3314 if they want to go. You really need to send an email blast to the FIRST Mid-Atlantic teams. I only heard about this since one of my students who reads CD religiously told me. There are plenty of Northern/ Central NJ teams within a reasonable driving distance.

As my team's religious CD reader, I'd like to second this. With the end of Monty Madness, MAR is down an offseason, and many NJ teams would be happy to have another chance to play in the spring if they knew about it.

[Hallry]

Unfortunately, 1676 will likely have to skip, since our team's annual end-of-the-year picnic is that Sunday. But best of luck to all those who will be there!

[iggy_gim]

I am asking 3314 if they want to go. You really need to send an email blast to the FIRST Mid-Atlantic teams. I only heard about this since one of my students who reads CD religiously told me. There are plenty of Northern/ Central NJ teams within a reasonable driving distance.

Thank you for the suggestion. I will get on that. We hope that your team can attend!

[mdituri]

I have a couple of questions:
Is this street we have to cross for queuing covered in case of rain?
If we come up Saturday it is basically practice all day?
Are there stairs we have to manipulate going into this pit area?
Can I park my trailer overnight?

[iggy_gim]

Okay. In response to your questions:

1. In the event of rain all robot pathways will be fully sealed from rain

2. There are no stairs that you will need to traverse with your robot.

3. You can park your trailer overnight, but we would have to arrange for a permit, so please PM / email me with the specifics so I can address that.

[iggy_gim]

Sorry I forgot to answer your fourth question:

Yes Saturday will be all day practice. First come first serve just for fun!

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[iggy_gim]

Today we had three more teams register bringing the total up to 9 teams. So that means that we need 11 more teams! Once again, if you are looking to register you can pay by check or credit card at our site: http://hvr-2016.eventbrite.com.

Here is an update lost of the teams that have registered:

Team 333 The Megaladoons
Team 335 SkillsTech Gearbotz
Team 1155 SciBorgs
Team 2265 Fe Maidens
Team 2869 Regal Eagles
Team 3314 The Mechanical Mustangs
Team 4055 NRG
Team 4361 Roxbotix
Team 5123 Mechadogs
Team 0001 Pre-Rookie Team

**EDIT: Make that four more teams**

[swootton]

Team NRG4055 is in for the event.

[iggy_gim]

I got you ;)

[iggy_gim]

Hello everyone,

if you have registered for the event, please expect the first of many email correspondences tonight. I will also post it on another thread here on CD for reference purposes as well. It contains some logistical information along with the full (and finalized) event schedule as well as a solution to the "missing off-season defense" problem...

So, stayed tuned folks!

[jayred1127]

The Rambots are planning on coming to HVR. Our mentor is waiting for our robot to be fully operational before we sign up. We are working as fast as we can to fix our robot and we expect to finish next week.

[iggy_gim]

Sorry guys, I know I promised an email last week but I totally forgot b/c of IB exams. Now that I am done I am ready to let senioritis / robotics obsession kick into its fullest!

Here is the link to the first team update: http://eepurl.com/b1-AN1

If you wish to subscribe to our mailing list, please sign up using this form: http://eepurl.com/b1-uVH

And to answer that all important question, yes we are having this event. Even if all we can muster are 15 teams, I just got a new sponsorship which will help us break even. I sincerely hope that everyone in the area will consider attending this event. I even extended registration to May 20.

Also, just wanted to give a shout-out to Team 3419, the Rohawks, for their recent registration. They were the alliance captain for the finalist alliance at NYC Regional and the Wildcard recipient. Plus their robot was awesome. Can't wait to compete with you guys again.

Also, we will be hosting a livestream event BUT IN 360 DEG FULL PANORAMA GLORY!!!!! I just got my hands on a 360 camera and am looking forward to utilizing YouTube's new 360 degree streaming tool. I would love to hear some reactions about this idea.

Lastly, to solve the missing defense problem, we are inviting teams ot create their own original defense to showcase at our event. The team whose custom defense is judged to be the most creative will receive an award. Plus it should add an interesting twist to scouting!

Everything else you can read about in the team update.

Once again, I am looking forward to a good tournament.

[iggy_gim]

Oh and we are looking for a carpet for the event. If any team would be willing to let us borrow theirs (if you have a full FRC carpet, unfortunately we only have half a one at 5123) we would be greatly in your debt!

[mdituri]

With only 12 teams attending this event, is it possible to run quals 2 vs 2. We could lower the tower strength to 6.

At WPI this weekend, they are getting rid of the sally port door and obviously no drawbridge. That would be a lovely idea. And it is permanently staying in spot 3.

[iggy_gim]

We will be considering running it 2 v 2. We are waiting for May 25 to make that determination.

As far as changes to the porticullis and drawbridge, we will be making those determinations later as well.

Thanks.

[Bluman56]

EDIT: Scratch that, everything looks normal now.

[iggy_gim]

Hello all,

Just a reminder that today at midnight is the deadline for registration. We have 15 teams but would love twenty! If you are interested please drop by our site hvr-2916.eventbrite.com.

[iggy_gim]

Hello everyone!!! Two days left before HVR!

Some updates:

1. We received the field today (a day early) and after some mix ups with the shipping destination it has safely arrived at the Yonkers Police Athletic League Gym (yay!)

2. I just sent out the last team update, which you can find here:
http://eepurl.com/b4jNWX
(http://eepurl.com/b4jNWX)
3. Volunteers, I know I owe you an email, but I was busy today fixing problems with the field shipping and did not get to it. I promise you an email tomorrow, scout's honor ;)

4. We need boulders! I made a mistake with AndyMark so we will not be getting boulders from them. if any team can bring boulders we would appreciate it. We already have ten so all we need is about twenty more.

5. Please fill out this robot drop off form for your team ASAP. I only have two teams that have done it. I really need to know when you plan to drop off your robot.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y2unbyphvsoh-6uotp1l9IV0Mvv0qE7-YYm2xMun6Xw

Thank you for reading and I hope to see everyone this weekend!

[smitikshah]

Hello everyone!!! Two days left before HVR!

4. We need boulders! I made a mistake with AndyMark so we will not be getting boulders from them. if any team can bring boulders we would appreciate it. We already have ten so all we need is about twenty more.

Thank you for reading and I hope to see everyone this weekend!

Excited to attend! What condition do you need these boulders to be in?

http://imgur.com/xjUlr3y - this is how most of our boulders are :D

[iggy_gim]

Bottom is fine, top is no good.

Thanks!

[swootton]

We had an awesome time at the HVR today. For a first time event, issues are to be expected. For a senior in high school to pull all this together, all I can say is GREAT JOB Theodore!!!!!! We will attend the second annual event next year. Hopefully you're able to attract more teams and make it even more successful.

Oh, and the food was the best we have had inside an event, thanks to all the event staff for all the wonderful food at reasonable prices.

[Brian Maher]

I'm glad to hear the event went well. It will definitely be on 1257's radar next year. Does anyone have the results?

[Sperkowsky]

Great Job 5123. There were issues but in the end the event ran well. The food was well priced and tasted good with plenty of surrounding places to eat if you needed other options. The pits were massive for an offseason event as well.

Overall great event. Teddy get some sleep you deserve it.

[Sperkowsky]

I'm glad to hear the event went well. It will definitely be on 1257's radar next year. Does anyone have the results?

333 and 4122 won the event with 3419 and 4361 taking the finalist spot.

[M217]

I'm glad to hear the event went well. It will definitely be on 1257's radar next year. Does anyone have the results?

(SF) 1: 4055, 5943
(W) 2: 4122, 333
(F) 3: 3419, 4361
(SF) 4: 2869, 5123
(SF) 5: 335, 1880 (I think)
(SF) 6: 371, 368


Since it was round-robin format, there were only two rounds in the playoffs -- so all 6 alliances played in the "semifinals" with the two highest-scoring moving into the finals.

[smitikshah]

I was only able to be there the first day but everyone put in so much effort and I can only imagine how tired everyone that help set-up and run the event are (especially you Theodore!). Everyone deserves a nice long night of rest!

Great job guys!

[plnyyanks]

What an event! I'm psyched there was an offseason event within half an hour of my house. While a small event, the venue was great, teams had a good time, and a lot of people got to try out new volunteer roles - I'd say it was a win on all fronts! Huge shout out to Teddy, as well - you did an amazing job organizing everything

Event data has been added to TBA (http://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2016nyhvr), if anybody has videos of matches, be sure to add them.

Can't wait for next year!

[ayo_christina]

Such a great weekend!
Thank you to team 5123 for hosting a successful event!

To the teams which attended, thank you for allowing me to be your head ref (a terrifying role). There were no lynch mobs or witch burning and for that I am very grateful. All of the teams were very understanding and patient as volunteers worked to acclimate themselves to their positions whether they be queing, refereeing, FTA, reset, or hospitality. This event will only get better.



Teddy, you did a phenomenal job! Your successor has some big shoes to fill.

[Mark McLeod]

Great job Theodore!
It's really an enormous undertaking to organize and run an event for the very first time. College is going to be a breeze after this.

The Yonkers PAL facility was a great space, nice people, and they served up some great fresh food there.

We need to get the Head Ref roller skates for next year. You were always on top of things and one of the most mobile refs I've ever seen. :)

Thanks for the backup Phil. It wouldn't have all worked without your essential help on the field. Now since you live so close, you just have to help Teddy get that truck packed. :)

Thanks to Rich as well, the field supervisor (thanks Nicole for volunteering him), we also couldn't have done it without him.


Oh, and Bethpage left one of their balls by accident. Don't worry, I've saved it for you.

[iggy_gim]

Sorry I am replying so late. I have been busy catching up on sleep, packing up the event and catching up on work.

Thank you so much to all of the volunteers that helped with this event as well as the teams who attended. I may have brought you all together but you made it a successful event. As I kind of botched my thank you speech in the closing ceremonies my gratitude may not have been fully appreciated.

THANK YOU SO MUCH Mark for both your raving review and you patience with me this past weekend. I learned a lot from you and you saved my hair from being pulled out. Thanks for holding onto Bethpage's boulder.

Thank you Phil for being FTAA, Rich for being an awesome Field Sup., Nicole for being a very energetic and amazing Emcee, Christina for being a fair Head Ref, Daniel for being a great Queue Manager, Ms. De for being the scorekeeper and Jermaine for your baritoned Game Announcer. Thank you to the parents for our champs, the Ossining O-bots for volunteering as well.

I personally enjoyed the event and could not tell you how the food was as I honestly forgot to eat the entire day (except for a couples french fries). All of the teams were great and understanding about the slow morning.

Congratz to 4122 and 333 for a great performance as well as 3419 and 4361.

Can't wait to see everyone (and more) next year

[Sperkowsky]

Oh, and Bethpage left one of their balls by accident. Don't worry, I've saved it for you.

Thanks for saving it. Hopefully we will eventually retrieve it.