2008 Florida Regional

[midway78224]

Hey everybody, i dont expect anything else but a great competition at this year florida regional. For those of you that dont know us we are Team 457 Grease Monkeys and look forward to competeing in this year florida regional. All teams GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pat Arnold]

It is great to see a TX team and other out-of-staters at the FL Regional. The event should be amazing , particularly if all UCF's arena construction is complete. Hopes are high that all pits will be indoors this year!

Good luck to all teams who will be competing in the "Sunshine State" in 2008.

[Dan Richardson]

The new venue is amazing, I have yet to be inside however the construction is done and events are already being held. Construction is now pretty much at a minimum around that area as the Football stadium is done as is the bookstore, shops and dorms.

Check out some awesome yet a little older pics of the new venue (http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/view.gal?id=14214&template=player_gallery)

The old arena is still standing right next to it, so if I had to guess the pits could be in the old arena as its about ~10-~20 feet away from the new one. This opens an opportunity for a lot more teams to attend. I'm definitely excited for the upcoming season the "new" Central Florida regional!

[DanDon]

Is this going to be a Jersey-style regional with 64 teams and one field? Or will the double fields be brought out?

Either way, 2trainrobotics is extremely excited to compete in the sunshine! :cool:

The field looks extremely deep this year....looking forward to see the final lineup.

[techtiger1]

Florida regional looks amazing so far. Good to see some first timers two train and Cybersonics comming to Fl as well as all the others. Nice to see our old new england friends back 348,69 and 56 to name a few. Then as always you have the usual Florida team suspects. Looks like another great Florida regional comming up.

[viking1902]

Is this going to be a Jersey-style regional with 64 teams and one field? Or will the double fields be brought out?

Either way, 2trainrobotics is extremely excited to compete in the sunshine! :cool:

The field looks extremely deep this year....looking forward to see the final lineup.

From what I've heard its going to be "Jersey style" with one field and lots of teams. The venue can most definately hold two fields but there were going to be issues with understaffed and undertrained volunteers that were holding back the use of a second field.

Its going to be a transitional year for the Florida regional so I hope that things will run just as smoothly as in the past and hopefully we will have that second field next year.

[Pokechop]

I heard that even though UCF's arena is complete its still going to be like the 07' regional. I really hope that thats wrong though because if they can hold more people and bring in two fields...well,that would pretty much be awesome.

Good luck yall see ya there !!!!!


:yikes: ;)

[vic burg]

I heard that we will not be able to use the new venue because the university wants to have their own events there first, before, well, FIRST this year. I could be wrong, but I believe that would make more sense for them. But, that was what I was told by another student so, I do not know for sure!
However, do not go solely on that, because I am only relaying what I know so please, don't get mad at me if my information is incorrect.

[Dan Richardson]

I heard that we will not be able to use the new venue because the university wants to have their own events there first, before, well, FIRST this year. I could be wrong, but I believe that would make more sense for them. But, that was what I was told by another student so, I do not know for sure!
However, do not go solely on that, because I am only relaying what I know so please, don't get mad at me if my information is incorrect.

That doesn't make much sense, there aren't many events that get held there ( basketball games and concerts ), and the committee will typically plan the event around previously scheduled UCF events. UCF is typically very proud of the event thats held each year, and to the best of my knowledge they will be moving forward with the new venue.

As for a super regional verse a max capacity one field regional, well all you would need to do is look at the team capacity on the FIRST website. It is very very expensive to run an additional field as well as very Volunteer demanding. It would take a large sponsor to step in and foot the bill, as well as dozens of new/additional Volunteers. I think FIRST will and should give it a year or two in the new venue to work out the kinks and prepare for a super regional, rather than go all out with a super regional this year.

[waialua359]

We are hoping to attend, but it looks like we wont get in on oct. 25th.:(

[vic burg]

As for a super regional verse a max capacity one field regional, well all you would need to do is look at the team capacity on the FIRST website.

Well, I guess that it is going to be a super regional, since there are 54 slots.... surprised it's not completely full yet! LOL
Thanks though, I didn't think about that.
But, do you think it is possible that they would fit two fields in the old venue? Or maybe just that there will be area for more pits?
I don't know.

SORRY!!!!

[wendymom]

I think the plan is for the pits to be in the old arena and the field to be in the new one. Maybe a 2nd field in the new arena in a year or two.

Either way...no more outside pits!

[technoL]

Either way...no more outside pits!

Agreed! The Florida Regional finally gets that arena feel that so many others have. From the pictures, the new arena looks beautiful. It'll be an interesting change, perhaps the feel of a new regional all together.

108 is excited to return for the 13th (I think?) time to an awesome regional! Can't wait until March!

...but I guess we'll have to build the robot first :rolleyes:

[midway78224]

i cant wait to see the new arena i know for florida teams this is a long time thing coming and i cant wait to be a part of it

[Billfred]

Geeze, why does Florida have to be the same week as Chesapeake?

Y'all had better not have too much fun while I'm going north with my team this year. ;)

[Arefin Bari]

Geeze, why does Florida have to be the same week as Chesapeake?

Y'all had better not have too much fun while I'm going north with my team this year. ;)

Wait, you mean Billfred is going to miss his first Florida Robotics Official/Offseason regionals/events since 2005?

[Billfred]

Wait, you mean Billfred is going to miss his first Florida Robotics Official/Offseason regionals/events since 2005?My record isn't that spotless. Since I graduated high school:

Robot Rodeo 2004
Florida Regional 2005
Mayhem at the Museum 2005 (I was in Maine)
Florida Regional 2006
Mission Mayhem 2006
Robot Rodeo 2006 (I was at Cal Games)
Florida Regional 2007
Mission Mayhem 2007
Tempest 'N Tampa 2007 (I was/am saving my dough for BE)

Not bad, but certainly not perfect either. ;)

[redbarron]

Team 1270 will be coming down there again this year, hope the Florida Regional will be as exciting as it has been in the past Good luck All:D

[IbleedPink233]

Team 233 cannot wait for the Florida Regional, but they have to because they have to build a robot or something first. . .
By the way, I have seen the venue and it is pretty sweet - lots more seating and excellent spots for scouts to scout (duh) the field, just to name a few advantages over the previous arena. There is also plenty of room for double fields whenever they decide to do that (probably not this year) - all they need to do is wrangle up a bunch of college students to come and help us out during their spring break - how hard could that be?

[Koko Ed]

I'll be down there volunteering.
Should be a good time!

[Dan Richardson]

Team 233 cannot wait for the Florida Regional, but they have to because they have to build a robot or something first. . .
By the way, I have seen the venue and it is pretty sweet - lots more seating and excellent spots for scouts to scout (duh) the field, just to name a few advantages over the previous arena. There is also plenty of room for double fields whenever they decide to do that (probably not this year) - all they need to do is wrangle up a bunch of college students to come and help us out during their spring break - how hard could that be?

LoL they used to do it the week before our spring break, this is the first year since I've been here that its on our spring break. This really stinks, because in our intro engineering classes we used to get extra credit for volunteering and were allowed to miss class. Now we have to miss spring break, and the 12 hour Sea bring race :-(

[Athleticgirl389]

I'll be down there volunteering.
Should be a good time!

I'll be down there as well :eek: The insanity haha.
Not 100% sure what's going on cause I have a wedding that weekend also haha. Yay for spring break the same week. w00t w00t. Can't WAIT!!! And what a first trip to Florida it will be :)

[JaneYoung]

I'll be down there volunteering.
Should be a good time!

I'm sad that I will not be over there volunteering.
The Florida Regional is one of the best parties in FIRST. Good competition, good teams competing together and working together. I met so many incredible mentors, students, parents, volunteers last year - and the campus is beautiful. Florida is just plain fun. Take lots of pictures and videos!

[esisso]

Team 1242 is coming back to the florida regional! we have gone to the peachtree regional in georgia the past 3 years and are glad to come back once more in our 5th year to our home state! any other teams in the broward/ miami-dade county area????

[hoorayforpink]

the Florida Regional should be really great, the waiting is driving me crazy!

[Libby K]

I hope to make it down there, but I am unsure at the moment. Gotta love school...

[David Guzman]

... any other teams in the broward/ miami-dade county area????

Here are the ones I know from Broward;

108, 408, 744, 1251, 1345, 1841 and 2383

[Arefin Bari]

Miami Dade county:

Team 59 - Ramtech
Team 168 - Flashbacks
Team 1029 - Wolvecats.

[JennyB314]

1029 WolvCats

[Dan Richardson]

Man, I just went to the new arena for a basketball game, Knights beat UTEP 107-88 or something like that.. but thats besides the point. Its my first time inside the arena, and it was flippin sweet.

Not only is the outside extremely beautiful with all the shops and landscaping style of the building and lights and high rise dorms, the inside is amazing to boot. ~10000 seats of pure awesome, sweet sky boxes, comfortable seats ( Not bleachers! I think unless they put it in the student section... )

So yeah, its going to be fun fo sho.. fo sho

[esisso]

any of the broward/ miami-dade teams interested in meeting up and sharing ideas or looking at each other's design? I am very interested in starting to build alliances for the regional, especially since there will be a lot of teams there, it'll be good to already know a couple local ones

[Dybala]

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.

[dmellich]

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.
We have the same issue in Broward County. Our seniors our going up Wednesday afternoon - everyone else Thursday after testing.

[Greg Peshek]

Does anyone here know the date of the FCAT Science (11th Grade Obviously) for Orange County this year? I know there was some choice or something by the county, so our team is trying to figure out what we can do as far as practice day and such. Thanks..

-Greg P.

[Drew Hopman]

Greg- I am pretty sure its the same time and day in all of florida. I know its the same time here in Brevard as it is with my homie Mr. E. In Broward.

[Jacob Paikoff]

Ya, as far as I know its is the Thursday, March 13, in all of florida. So everyone will go over wed. night except for our Juniors who will come over thrusday afternoon.

[PC-Dad]

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.

Alas, the FCAT/NRT schedule has done us in here in Palm Beach county. The competition is sandwiched between the FCATs (10-14 March) and the NRTs (17-21 March). The School District of Palm Beach County has imposed a rather rigid blackout on extra-curricular activities that extends through the end of the NRTs, so the principal at our team's school has deemed that only seniors will be allowed to attend the competition, which effectively takes us out of the competition altogether. :(

I hope that this scheduling conflict can be fixed for 2009 and beyond. It's unfortunate when a great group of high school kids work so hard on such a worthwhile project only to see the bureaucracy crush their hopes. I'm guessing the gang-bangers will be up to their usual mayhem here in Palm Beach County, regardless of when the FCATs are scheduled. I think somebody needs to realize it's not all about what grades (and associated funding) the schools and districts get from the state, that by having this ridiculous blackout, they are missing an opportunity to keep some kids from going over to the "Dark Side." What a pity. :mad:

[Gary Dillard]

Hmmmmmmmm......... Regional Layout (http://www.floridafirstregional.com/2008/OrlandoFloorDiagramonefield.pdf) shows a 15 x 30 practice field in the pits. I hope noone was planning on driving very far past their own overpass during autonomous.

[writchie]

Hmmmmmmmm......... Regional Layout (http://www.floridafirstregional.com/2008/OrlandoFloorDiagramonefield.pdf) shows a 15 x 30 practice field in the pits. I hope noone was planning on driving very far past their own overpass during autonomous.

Well, this was before the entire old arena was eliminated. As I understand it
the area for the pits (and practice field) are no longer available and everything
is now going to be jammed into the arena. I don't know if the 10x9 pit size has
survived or whether there will be any practice area aside from the main field.

It is likely to be very tight for 60+ teams - but the new Arena is great. I do hope
however, that with 60+ teams and only one practice field, the practice sessions
will be expanded into late Thursday evening. At present there appears to be
time for only three practice sessions per team which seems a bit short to me
for this years game.

[Cooley744]

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! IT'S GONNA BE SO COOL!!!!!!

[hipsterjr]

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! IT'S GONNA BE SO COOL!!!!!!

I feel your enthusiasm. I can't sit through class knowing Florida is 3 weeks away:ahh: It is driving me crazy not knowing what pink is up to, lol.

[IbleedPink233]

I feel your enthusiasm. I can't sit through class knowing Florida is 3 weeks away:ahh: It is driving me crazy not knowing what pink is up to, lol.
It's driving me crazy not knowing what Pink is doing, too! :P

[Romino90]

From what I've heard its going to be "Jersey style" with one field and lots of teams. The venue can most definately hold two fields but there were going to be issues with understaffed and undertrained volunteers that were holding back the use of a second field.

Its going to be a transitional year for the Florida regional so I hope that things will run just as smoothly as in the past and hopefully we will have that second field next year.

What do you mean by Jersey style how did the Florida Regional go prior...at 1403 were so excited to go to Florida this year were hoping for a blast it should be really interesting playing with teams we never play with...I think only team we know is 293 the pink team from Florida since they came to Boston one year we were there..if I recall they won it haha.

[hipsterjr]

FYI There will be a shuttle launch on the Thursday of Florida regional. The only down side is that it is at 1AM!:eek:

We are going to try and see it, and we'll just sleep on the bus Wednesday. Now that I think about it, I never sleep while I'm in Florida:cool:. My secret as a driver, lots of energy drink, mountain dew, and Cheifdelphi.

[James1902]

:yikes: What do you mean by Jersey style how did the Florida Regional go prior...at 1403 were so excited to go to Florida this year were hoping for a blast it should be really interesting playing with teams we never play with...I think only team we know is 293 the pink team from Florida since they came to Boston one year we were there..if I recall they won it haha.

You'll have a blast at florida!!! Aside from championships it is the most energetic FIRST event i've been to! Plus you'll get to meet alot of friendly teams!

[wendymom]

FYI There will be a shuttle launch on the Thursday of Florida regional. The only down side is that it is at 1AM!:eek:

We are going to try and see it, and we'll just sleep on the bus Wednesday. Now that I think about it, I never sleep while I'm in Florida:cool:. My secret as a driver, lots of energy drink, mountain dew, and Cheifdelphi.

Its well worth staying up for. If its a clear night you will be able to walk outside and see it. If you really want a close up view its about a 45 min drive to the river. Besides....you will still be awake anyway!!!

[Romino90]

:yikes:

You'll have a blast at Florida!!! Aside from championships it is the most energetic FIRST event i've been to! Plus you'll get to meet alot of friendly teams!

That's Great to know!!! I hope it beats Boston I love that one I'm gonna miss going to it..we all had alotta fun there in past two years..and I think were trying to go to space shuttle launch thats gonna be opportunity of a life time since I'll never see something like that again...but I'll definitely be excited to see how FIRST operates out of NorthEast...a lot of people go to Disney ???

[Gary Dillard]

Well, this was before the entire old arena was eliminated. As I understand it the area for the pits (and practice field) are no longer available and everything is now going to be jammed into the arena.

I see there is now a new layout (http://www.floridafirstregional.com/2008/2008OrlandoFloorDiagram.pdf)that shows team numbers. As you said, the pits are now in the arena and there is no practice field visible. I guess they aren't planning on anyone actually watching the matches; looks like they applied the 2/3 minimum bumper coverage rule to the stands.

[hipsterjr]

the layout looks fairly interesting. It kinda looks like they isolated all the rookies together. I'm just glad there's no more tent-pits!!

[Dancin103]

wait, so how do the pits work?

[David Guzman]

wait, so how do the pits work?

Just like at any other event. In past years some of the pits were outside inside a big tent (Not enough room indoors). This year they are all inside the new arena.

On a different note, I like the layout of the pits.

[James1902]

...a lot of people go to Disney ???

yeah, a couple of teams go because it's right there. Personlay i'm tired of the Disney. FIRST compititions are so much more interesting!! :D

[Koko Ed]

yeah, a couple of teams go because it's right there. Personlay i'm tired of the Disney. FIRST compititions are so much more interesting!! :D

I'd rather go to Universal Studios.

[Dan Richardson]

yeah, a couple of teams go because it's right there. Personlay i'm tired of the Disney. FIRST compititions are so much more interesting!! :D

He has lived in orlando all his life tho lol.

People FIRST age and older tho will probably like Universal better, but its still occasionally fun to go to Disney.

[Doug Leppard]

I didn't realize the shuttle is suppose to take off that night. I am so tired after trying to get the bot ready I will be fast asleep by 1am.

[JaneYoung]

He has lived in orlando all his life tho lol.

People FIRST age and older tho will probably like Universal better, but its still occasionally fun to go to Disney.

I've never been to Disney World. *sad*
I've been to Disneyland - once. Loved it.

[Dan Richardson]

I've never been to Disney World. *sad*
I've been to Disneyland - once. Loved it.

Then you'll just have to come back down to the UCF Regional and go! I can be your choffer ( sp? ) again even tho I live like 20 minutes from wendy now.

[JaneYoung]

Then you'll just have to come back down to the UCF Regional and go! I can be your choffer ( sp? ) again even tho I live like 20 minutes from wendy now.

Gosh that sounds like fun, Dan! I'll have to try to come back in the near future!
Thank you for helping to make last year's Florida Regional so special for me. You and your team mates in 1902, all the volunteers, and the teams that participated in the regional - made it one heck of a special memory. (Arefin's pigging at the airport with Wendy still makes me smile.) The new venue should be amazing. Everyone take pictures! Lots of pictures!

[Romino90]

Just like at any other event. In past years some of the pits were outside inside a big tent (Not enough room indoors). This year they are all inside the new arena.

On a different note, I like the layout of the pits.

!!!! OUTDOOR PITS....HOLY **** lol I've never been to a warm regional so for me thats unheard of lol..what if it rains and how to do in and out of the arena ...weird

yeah, a couple of teams go because it's right there. Personlay i'm tired of the Disney. FIRST compititions are so much more interesting!! :D

nah thats just because you live in florida I'm guessing lol what team are you from just wondering I'll send my greetings in two weeks

[hipsterjr]

What's going on for a team social this year? [*starts mapquesting Disney World to UCF*] Florida is one of the funnest regionals and the wait is killing me!!

[Matt Keller]

FYI There will be a shuttle launch on the Thursday of Florida regional. The only down side is that it is at 1AM!:eek:

We are going to try and see it, and we'll just sleep on the bus Wednesday. Now that I think about it, I never sleep while I'm in Florida:cool:. My secret as a driver, lots of energy drink, mountain dew, and Cheifdelphi.

It is actually on the 11th @ 2:28am, which is Tuesday -- finalized just last week. :(

[James1902]

What's going on for a team social this year? [*starts mapquesting Disney World to UCF*] Florida is one of the funnest regionals and the wait is killing me!!

we're trying to get a FIRST night at a full scale simulation place called hard knocks. But we'll see what happens

P.S. And yeah, I can't wait either...11 more days!!!!!

[esisso]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TEAM 1242

Team 1242 would like to inform all teams attending the Orlando Regional that we are currently collecting items and shipping them overseas to the troops in Iraq. We are collecting pocket size hand sanitizer, pocket size hand wipes, individual drink mix packs (on - the - go packs) Beef Jerky and small tootsie rolls. We would appreciate any donations of the above items. Please drop them off at Team 1242's Pit.

HELP SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT RISK THEIR LIVES SO THAT WE CAN LIVE HAPPILY AND CALMLY IN THE UNITED STATES

We will also be raising money to help cover the cost of shipping of the items to Iraq. Stop by Team 1242's pit to purchase a team gumball and help us out. Thank you for your support!!!!!

See you all soon!!!

[viking1902]

We will also be raising money to help cover the cost of shipping of the items to Iraq. Stop by Team 1242's pit to purchase a team gumball and help us out. Thank you for your support!!!!!


I hate to rain on your parade but according to the manual:

Do not sell any products. This includes food, hats, shirts, or any promotional products

We've thought about doing a simialar fundraiser in the past, but this rule prevented us from doing such. After reading through the manual, I don't see anything prohibiting a donation box. Maybe you guys can set one up in your pit and have a flyer/sign telling about what you're doing?

[Dan Richardson]

I hate to rain on your parade but according to the manual:


We've thought about doing a simialar fundraiser in the past, but this rule prevented us from doing such. After reading through the manual, I don't see anything prohibiting a donation box. Maybe you guys can set one up in your pit and have a flyer/sign telling about what you're doing?

Thats true they could do the typical mall fundraiser where you give someone something and ask for a donation, and give a suggested donation amount but you can't require it you can just make people feel really guilty if they don't do it lol.

I remember 108 was going raffle off some Motorolla Cell phones one year I believe it was for some sort of charity and they were told they couldn't do it, I think its silly especially since its a noble cause. Just don't advertise that your selling them and that your accepting donations and I would imagine your still within the rules.

[Barry Bonzack]

For all teams attending the Florida Regional,
Do you have something unique about your robot or an interesting (short) story that happened during build season? Well I am gathering information so I will be able to announce facts about teams when they are on the field competing. For example, last year team 386 had an easy button as a scoring sensor, and team 180 had a funny story on why their robot was named ItchyBotCrane (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55079). If your team has something similar that can be said within 2 - 3 sentences, please PM me so your team can be recognized among your peers. I hope this gives a personal feel to the competition and makes it more exciting.

[esisso]

i believe our team has gotten permission from US First and the organizers of the Orlando regional...i'll double check to make sure they did. Thanks for the heads up! but do remember that all the other items mentioned above can still be donated regardless of that rule

=D

see you guys in a couple days!!! i cant believe its so soon already

[wendymom]

To all teams headed to the Florida Regional.........check your mailboxes......be on the lookout for a package from Exploding Bacon.

[hipsterjr]

With Florida 4 days away, anyone have any interesting updates (or a picture of Pink:p )? Has a team social been put together?

check your mailboxes......be on the lookout for a package from Exploding Bacon.
Oooh, a present for me?:yikes:

[wendymom]

We tried to get a team social together but it was denied. Problems with Liability and number of people.

We might just post a date and time of either bowling or a movie or something and anyone who is town could just show up,.

[Swampdude]

Hopefully we'll get this problem straightened out in the next few days, but again our teacher has backed out of the trip. So without an escort our team can't go until Friday night.... Also we're still hung up on the FCAT with a number of students.
Now we're hunting for a teacher to go with us. We've never had any luck getting teachers to help us out. MARS our neighboring school seems to get a lot more support from the Palm beach county school system. I wish we could afford to pay a teacher and keep one interested.... ugh...

[IbleedPink233]

Hopefully we'll get this problem straightened out in the next few days, but again our teacher has backed out of the trip. So without an escort our team can't go until Friday night.... Also we're still hung up on the FCAT with a number of students.
Now we're hunting for a teacher to go with us. We've never had any luck getting teachers to help us out. MARS our neighboring school seems to get a lot more support from the Palm beach county school system. I wish we could afford to pay a teacher and keep one interested.... ugh...

Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh! The Florida Regional just won't feel right without Swamp. I suggest kidnapping a teacher for the cause, they won't mind.

PS: Sorry, hipsterjr, you'll just have to wait until the competition to see Roccobot 2K8. I have the feeling that it will be worth the wait.

[Dan Richardson]

Do you guys have any home schooled or other schools involved? Why can't the parents just sign them out of school for 2 days?

[Swampdude]

Yes we work with 2 schools. Tomorrow morning our team lead is going to see the principle at our other school and plead with them. However they did see the principle of our primary school this morning and she said they will work it out as a last resort. I wonder if one of the FIRST mentors could be an advocate for us and convince our local school system that this program should be more of a priority. They do give a us a nice place to work out of, and I understand teachers are tired at the end of the day and want to go home. So I'm not sure what the answer is, other than paying them extra. We as a team have never done a very good job of advocating for ourselves. We just don't have a real dynamic go getter administrative type, just a bunch of caring average busy volunteers. I'd like to steal someones chairman award winning team leads for a while ;)

One way or another, we'll be there :)

[JaneYoung]

I'd like to steal someones chairman award winning team leads for a while ;)


I don't think you would have to steal, I think they would gladly and happily step forward to help support your incredible team. When I read this, I couldn't help but think what a bonus it was for me to be able to see the team and the robot's performances last year. Your team helped enrich my understanding of what FIRST is about and what it means to dig deeper, go the distance. I often talk about the teams in Florida and the importance that the mentors of the individual teams see in supporting each other and helping each other in order to be able to maintain a stable program. Supportive teachers and administrators are often key elements of a successful robotics program.

I wish you all the best!
Jane Young

[Cooley744]

kidnap the janitor lol jk. well maybe......no it wouldn't work.

[hipsterjr]

PS: Sorry, hipsterjr, you'll just have to wait until the competition to see Roccobot 2K8. I have the feeling that it will be worth the wait.

It always is:D . I love playing with yall. See you in three days!

PS, itcan b piggo boom in 3d 14h 14m:P

[James1902]

:ahh: :ahh: I'm going insane!!! theres so much stuff to still get done...3 days!! I can't wait!!!:ahh: :ahh:

[Jim E]

The conflicting schedules between the Florida Regional and the FCAT scheduled in Florida has been going on for several years now.

Florida should move to week 5 or 6. I know that FIRST has no control over the Arena scheduling, and the Legislature determines when the FCAT is given.

The Championship coincides with Senior skip day or something like that. We had a really hard time locating a charter bus for the trip to Atlanta, when most of Florida's graduating seniors are going to Orlando that weekend.

[Matt_Kaplan1902]

The conflicting schedules between the Florida Regional and the FCAT scheduled in Florida has been going on for several years now.

Florida should move to week 5 or 6. I know that FIRST has no control over the Arena scheduling, and the Legislature determines when the FCAT is given.

The Championship coincides with Senior skip day or something like that. We had a really hard time locating a charter bus for the trip to Atlanta, when most of Florida's graduating seniors are going to Orlando that weekend.

Pretty much every weekend during April, both Disney and Universal hold "Grad Night" events for seniors that most high schools participate in, thus making it hard for all the Florida teams to find buses for the Championship.

I know that my senior year on 108 all the graduating students had to chose between attending Grad Night and Championships.

[vic burg]

I know that my senior year on 108 all the graduating students had to chose between attending Grad Night and Championships.

That is why we fly to Atlanta every year!!!! LOL;)

[Pat Arnold]

Hopefully we'll get this problem straightened out in the next few days, but again our teacher has backed out of the trip. So without an escort our team can't go until Friday night.... Also we're still hung up on the FCAT with a number of students.
Now we're hunting for a teacher to go with us. We've never had any luck getting teachers to help us out. MARS our neighboring school seems to get a lot more support from the Palm beach county school system. I wish we could afford to pay a teacher and keep one interested.... ugh...

My understanding is that MARS' one teacher wanted to help your team, but Jupiter High School's administration and his union said he should not be listed as both MARS & Swamp's teacher escort due to liability issues (Our team alone has 42 students). Hopefully between your two schools a teacher will step forward. It sure would be nice if teachers received something extra for their FIRST involvement.

MARS' was able to set up a joint MARS/Swamp presentation to Palm Beach County's School Board last year because the father of 2 of our students is a board member. Perhaps we can try to do that again. Let us know if there is anything else we can do.

Also, just wanted to gripe again about FCATs. Our Juniors are being driven up seperately when their tests are over, & we were lucky to get that approved by the school. :mad:

[Swampdude]

My understanding is that MARS' one teacher wanted to help your team, but Jupiter High School's administration and his union said he should not be listed as both MARS & Swamp's teacher escort due to liability issues (Our team alone has 42 students). Hopefully between your two schools a teacher will step forward. It sure would be nice if teachers received something extra for their FIRST involvement.

MARS' was able to set up a joint MARS/Swamp presentation to Palm Beach County's School Board last year because the father of 2 of our students is a board member. Perhaps we can try to do that again. Let us know if there is anything else we can do.

Also, just wanted to gripe again about FCATs. Our Juniors are being driven up seperately when their tests are over, & we were lucky to get that approved by the school. :mad:

Thanks,

I know Mr. Z is great. I wish we had a guy like that :) Anyhow I wasn't at the commission meeting, but I wonder if we made a case for $upport and teachers. Seems like we need to do that again but try and get some response.

[Dancin103]

I am so excited! Only 2 days for me! We leave wednesday morning at 6! I can't wait!

[Gary Dillard]

Be sure to pack warm clothes; it is supposed to be in the 50's Wednesday night and in the 60's and 70's the rest of the week.

[EricS-Team180]

Be sure to pack warm clothes; it is supposed to be in the 50's Wednesday night and in the 60's and 70's the rest of the week.

...ummm Gary...that's just for us S. FL sub-tropics types...right? :D

[techtiger1]

PS: Sorry, hipsterjr, you'll just have to wait until the competition to see Roccobot 2K8. I have the feeling that it will be worth the wait.

IBLEEDPINK exactely what are we waiting for a six wd,telescoping arm and a huge roller claw on the end:cool: ? Thats just my guess. Can't wait for the regional.

-good luck to all
-Drew

[Tim Arnold]

The Championship coincides with Senior skip day or something like that. I know that my senior year on 108 all the graduating students had to chose between attending Grad Night and Championships.
Our school's grad night is later in the month, but we get the joy of choosing between prom (senior prom, for myself and many of us) or champs!

[Dancin103]

Be sure to pack warm clothes; it is supposed to be in the 50's Wednesday night and in the 60's and 70's the rest of the week.


Don't worry I've got it all! haha But, anything is better than our 30 degree weather, trust me! I can't wait!

[Dancin103]

Hey could someone tell me what building the regional is held in at UCF because we need to tell the bus company where to take us. Thanks

[Matt_Kaplan1902]

Hey could someone tell me what building the regional is held in at UCF because we need to tell the bus company where to take us. Thanks

It's just known as the UCF Arena. It is the building with the giant glass front in the back end of the campus, you can't miss it.

Here is a map of the campus: http://campusmap.ucf.edu/flash/index.php

[Michael Coleman]

The Florida Regional is held in the University of Central Florida Arena.

Detailed driving directions and the campus map are in the following link:

http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedfiles/community/frc/events/2008/2008_FL_SiteInfo.pdf

[hipsterjr]

:D Thank you 1902!:D
I really appreciated this, especially since I didn't have lunch today. 342 has a small present of you Thursday. Oink Oink, yum:p

[jon]

I am going as a teamless alumni (RIP 186). I have not been involved with FIRST since I graduated in '03 but I'm looking forward to seeing how things have changed since then, and hopefully finding a team to mentor next year.

heeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[James1902]

:D Thank you 1902!:D
I really appreciated this, especially since I didn't have lunch today. 342 has a small present of you Thursday. Oink Oink, yum:p

:D :D Glad you liked it! we have a couple other things, but they were too big to ship so keep an eye out in your pits on thursday.

[vic burg]

On behalf of myself (I am going to be volunteering at the Regional), I would just like to thank all of the teams that will be participating at the Florida Regional this year. I would also like to wish good luck to all and any participants of the Florida Regional. I know that everyone will have fun, and I hope that everyone gets down (or up) here safely and enjoys their stay in [semi-] sunny Florida!
I can't wait to see everyone!
-Vic

[IbleedPink233]

PS: Sorry, hipsterjr, you'll just have to wait until the competition to see Roccobot 2K8. I have the feeling that it will be worth the wait.

IBLEEDPINK exactely what are we waiting for a six wd,telescoping arm and a huge roller claw on the end:cool: ? Thats just my guess. Can't wait for the regional.

-good luck to all
-Drew
We'll see about that

[hipsterjr]

Has anyone else gotten 1902's candy yet? :ahh: wait a sec...what if Bacon is just trying to take advantage of my sweet tooth to make me eat the whole bag and make me sick for Thursday?:eek: [*eats last M&M in the bag*]

[Dancin103]

It's just known as the UCF Arena. It is the building with the giant glass front in the back end of the campus, you can't miss it.

Here is a map of the campus: http://campusmap.ucf.edu/flash/index.php

Thank you so much! We leave tomorrow morning! I'm so excited!

[pludodog]

:D Thank you 1902!:D
I really appreciated this, especially since I didn't have lunch today. 342 has a small present of you Thursday. Oink Oink, yum:p


Ditto this. I really meant to save these for our team meeting tonight, but they didn't last :-).

[James1902]

:ahh: :ahh: 1 MORE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!1:ahh: :ahh:

[Cooley744]

Florida Regionals...........so close...............yet soooooooooo far awaaaaaay!

[Arefin Bari]

Where is my CANDY!???!?!?!???? :mad:

[Koko Ed]

Be sure to pack warm clothes; it is supposed to be in the 50's Wednesday night and in the 60's and 70's the rest of the week.

Warm clothes for 50's 60's and 70's?
Where I came from we're still hoping the snow will melt from last weekend and we won't get any more! We'd love to have the 50's! (That probably won't happen til May).:rolleyes:

[Warren Boudreau]

Warm clothes for 50's 60's and 70's?
Where I came from we're still hoping the snow will melt from last weekend and we won't get any more! We'd love to have the 50's! (That probably won't happen til May).:rolleyes:

Down here in South Florida, if you have to wear shoes outside it's too cold.

I hope all of our friends from the Great White North enjoy their brief time here in Florida.

[CWBWBN]

I am sorry to say I wont be making an appearance this year at the FL regional :( I've started a job and can't get the time off to come visit all my good friends in Orlando, but good luck to all the teams and hope to see you all at nationals!

[KF987]

Why are they evacuating the FLR regional??


oo False Alarm??

[Nawaid Ladak]

Why are they evacuating the FLR regional??


oo False Alarm??

it WAS a false alarm

my surprise is this: why no response to this thread, i was hooping to come home to a WHOLE bunch of analysis from Michelle, Barry, Arefin, etc. but looks like im not getting what i want. lol

i wish matt would archive the meebo chat.

[wendymom]

it WAS a false alarm

my surprise is this: why no response to this thread, i was hooping to come home to a WHOLE bunch of analysis from Michelle, Barry, Arefin, etc. but looks like im not getting what i want. lol

i wish matt would archive the meebo chat.

Thats because they are all at my house and the computer is in use making judges packages.

maybe tomorrow

[hipsterjr]

Can anyone please post the match listing? We left ours in the pit and I need match times.

[Nawaid Ladak]

Thats because they are all at my house and the computer is in use making judges packages.

maybe tomorrow

sounds like a bunch of fun Wendy. but still, don't you think we would see more input from people watching the web cast

oh, and good luck to you guys tomorrow, hopefully the change you guys made today will help you guys succeed tomorrow.

[Greg Peshek]

Hipsterjr,

If you just need match times for your team (342) (I'm too lazy to scan the entire paper in), here you go:

Match 1: 9:30
Match 14: 10:48 (Hmm against my team, great now we're screwed..)
Match 29: 1:30
Match 37: 2:18
Match 45: 3:06
Match 54: 4:00
Match 62: 4:48
Match 72: 10:24

Hope this helps..

-Greg

[hipsterjr]

Hipsterjr,

If you just need match times for your team (342) (I'm too lazy to scan the entire paper in), here you go:

Match 1: 9:30
Match 14: 10:48 (Hmm against my team, great now we're screwed..)
Match 29: 1:30
Match 37: 2:18
Match 45: 3:06
Match 54: 4:00
Match 62: 4:48
Match 72: 10:24

Hope this helps..

-Greg

Greg, you rock my socks! thank you so much! since you helped me out, I'll try to spare you.:p

-CJ

[suequilter]

http://www2.usfirst.org/2008comp/events/FL/matchresults.html


Live time match times, scoring and rankings. Good luck everyone!

[Jared W]

It wasn't a false alarm.

There was a small grease fire in one of the kitchens.

But it was quickly taken care of.

[Dan Richardson]

Anyone know if 108 is posting the matches up on Soap today?

[Cooley744]

Could someone please post the rankings as of this afternoon? Thanks a lot!

[Greg Peshek]

Could someone please post the rankings as of this afternoon? Thanks a lot!

http://gameday.soap108.com/

Navigate to the Florida Regional and then you can go to rankings on the top left hand bar thing where it says "Info, Matches, Rankings...." and that should give you the up to date ones.

-Greg

[Dan Richardson]

Could someone please post the rankings as of this afternoon? Thanks a lot!

They are on the us first website http://www2.usfirst.org/2008comp/events/FL/rankings.html

[Barry Bonzack]

i was hooping to come home to a WHOLE bunch of analysis from Michelle, Barry, Arefin, etc. but looks like im not getting what i want.

Having Fun. Tired. More later.

[Nawaid Ladak]

Having Fun. Tired. More later.

all of us were having fun

fyi, sam is looking for you

[Michelle Celio]

my surprise is this: why no response to this thread, i was hooping to come home to a WHOLE bunch of analysis from Michelle, Barry, Arefin, etc. but looks like im not getting what i want. lol


**Current Analysis:

Field
Robots are killing the carpet which, while it gives me a job, is really bad for the carpet. I did about 200 repairs today (replacing zip ties, taping over gashes, cutting carpet snags).

Robots
I'm surprised about the lack of pure lap bots.

Team by Team (basically who I can remember)

56:I really like 56's robot, I just wish it could hurdle a little bit faster (the lifting basket is slow compared to the awesome punch it give to the trackball).
103: Never ceases to amaze me but they seem to be slacking compared to their performance at the New Jersey regional. But I was impressed by their first match of the day when it was them vs. 3 robots (their alliance partners hadn't shown up yet). Hopefully they'll pick up the pace tomorrow and do good in the eliminations.
179: Just...wow. Another quality Children of the Swamp machine. Very fast laps and decent speed for arm hurdler.
180: I really like Spam's robot too, but I want to know why they chose to use the sides they used, they seem to be unreliable but overall I love the wheeled arm that collects the balls movement.
233: Once PINK got their robot working, I was amazed. I expected a slower hurdle from their type of gripper but it's really speedy.
342: Reminds me a lot of 103, twins separated at birth perhaps?
744: I love the way that Shark Attacks arm moves, it looks like the drive team is getting used to it, but I really like their hurdling speed for what they have. The graphics on their robot are really cool too.
1523: Their launch system seems really unique to me, and I like the horn noise that happens before they hurdle. Question for anyone on 1523, why does it take so long for the hurdle to actually happen after the horn/why does the horn last so long?
1649: Who would of thought that a garbage can lid and two vacuums powered by kit motors would actually work? Not I. Also, I was really impressed on Thursday why they tipped over and then was able to lift themselves back to the upright position.
1902: Defiantly has more bacon than the pan can handle. I really like their design (yes it's similar to 121, and several others but I still like the strategy overall). It seems given the correct alliance they will do really good this year (not like thats any different from the past two years)
2023: My team, I know but they seemed to be having some problems in the begging of the day but eventually got on the ball. They seem to be good at knocking down balls, they're an ok hurdler and pretty decent at laps. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING FLORIDA be sure to stop by their pit and ask about the Differential Swerve drive they have going on.

Game Play
Overall I feel there is a lot more defense going on at Florida than week 1 and week 2 regionals. I haven't seen any of the other week 3 regionals so I can't speak for what is going on in comparison to that.

Theres been a lot of penalties but they don't seem to be deciding the matches like they have been at the other regionals (or might be hearing the results incorrectly).

Surprise!

Having Dean show up this morning was really nice since Florida hasn't seen Dean, Dave or Woodie since 2005 when Woodie Flowers visited. His speech went really well. It was relatively short and to the point with only a few tangents.

Special Mention
Team 79 - Krunch has their thing for Relay for Life which I'm really proud of. Best of luck to the team to raise money for such a great cause.

200+ Lego League Students from Brevard county that were brought over by 233 were graciously given tours of the pits by the FIRST Ambassadors and several members from 1902, they also were able to watch matches for about two hours.

Safety
Team 168 really impressed me with their safety stations. I've used 3 or 4 of the supplies there becuase of little nicks on my person (I'm clumsy and I donut like blood so I cover them)

Team 1902 also has some really cool and good smelling suntan lotion. Because you don't want to be "bacon" in the sun!

Volunteers
Koko Ed came down from Rochester and has been a great help around the field. It's always really great to see friends you don't get to see too often.

Wayne Penn also came down from mass. to do some MC work. He's doing really well and I love his energy. I just wish he'd dance with us on the field!

Chicken Dance
Did anyone notice that during the slow part of the song the people on the field run laps around the track. :) Yeah I wonder who came up with that :rolleyes: I think it's a really fun change to the dance and ode to the game. I also wonder if our dance breaks are on the broadcast...



** Please keep in mind I've been up for over 12 hours on just 4 hours of sleep, some of this post may or may not make sense.

[Cooley744]

[QUOTE=Michelle Celio;718137]**Current Analysis:

Field
744: I love the way that Shark Attacks arm moves, it looks like the drive team is getting used to it, but I really like their hurdling speed for what they have. The graphics on their robot are really cool too.


Why thankyou! BTW....^^^^ ? FROM BOB P.'s TEAM??????(he's the best) Anyway, we have been switching between drivers, but we are putting in our number 1 driver all 2mro. Unfortunatley, I don't feel our ranking matches up to our teams ability (yet I'm sure it's that way for many teams, it's how FIRST goes :rolleyes: ). Pretty much need to focus on an alliance to get into finals.....................we are open to any alliance partners! Good Job today. Awesome performance by all. It's been a fun regional.

[GaryVoshol]

Robots are killing the carpet which, while it gives me a job, is really bad for the carpet. I did about 200 repairs today (replacing zip ties, taping over gashes, cutting carpet snags).
Same thing is happening in Detroit. By the time this field setup gets through WMich and GLR, there's gonna be more tape than carpet surface.

[Koko Ed]

Safety
Team 168 really impressed me with their safety stations. I've used 3 or 4 of the supplies there becuase of little nicks on my person (I'm clumsy and I donut like blood so I cover them)







About safety.
There was a major incident in the pits yesterday where a member of 395 lost a part of his finger in the robot. I know you guys at times find the safety aspect of the game to be annoying and intrusive but it's incidents like this is why FIRST drives the safety initiatives so hard. Your body does not have replacement parts. Follow all safety procedures to the fullest even if it adds minutes to what you are doing. It'll be worth it in the long run.

[T3_1565]

to comment on these elims so far


HOLY CRAP!!! These are all really close matches... it's intense!!

[JM987]

Congrats 233, 86, and 1251 great regional:)

[T3_1565]

congrats to all teams in the finals... those were really exciting matches to watch!!! none of you lost those matches IMO!

Holy almost triple cap at the end on match two...

WOW.. is all I can say (besides the other stuff)

congrats again!!

[cdfps]

What a great regional.

A quick thank you list,

Team 79 and 801 for selecting our team for the final rounds.

Wayne Penn for so many things I would be crazy to try an list them all.

Shaun McNulty from Raider Robotics 25 for all his help and advice, we could not have done it without you.

Team 233 for patiently answering all my questions about their arm, though I still have more.

A big thanks to the guys at 342 who let us use their belt sander for a < 2 min repair in the final rounds!

Great kids, great event, great venue, great competition!

[killerofkiller]

Congrats to 233,1251 and 86
Congrats to MARS for the Chairmans!'

And Congrats to 180 for winning the J&J Sportsmanship award for the Third Year in a Row!!

[dr_robot]

Just wondering how everyone felt about the awards. Were they all fair and reasonable. A lot a great relatively new teams to fla got recognized which is great.

Just wondering how everyone feels.

[IBdrummer]

**Current Analysis:

Field
Robots are killing the carpet which, while it gives me a job, is really bad for the carpet. I did about 200 repairs today (replacing zip ties, taping over gashes, cutting carpet snags).

Robots
I'm surprised about the lack of pure lap bots.

Team by Team (basically who I can remember)

56:I really like 56's robot, I just wish it could hurdle a little bit faster (the lifting basket is slow compared to the awesome punch it give to the trackball).
103: Never ceases to amaze me but they seem to be slacking compared to their performance at the New Jersey regional. But I was impressed by their first match of the day when it was them vs. 3 robots (their alliance partners hadn't shown up yet). Hopefully they'll pick up the pace tomorrow and do good in the eliminations.
179: Just...wow. Another quality Children of the Swamp machine. Very fast laps and decent speed for arm hurdler.
180: I really like Spam's robot too, but I want to know why they chose to use the sides they used, they seem to be unreliable but overall I love the wheeled arm that collects the balls movement.
233: Once PINK got their robot working, I was amazed. I expected a slower hurdle from their type of gripper but it's really speedy.
342: Reminds me a lot of 103, twins separated at birth perhaps?
744: I love the way that Shark Attacks arm moves, it looks like the drive team is getting used to it, but I really like their hurdling speed for what they have. The graphics on their robot are really cool too.
1523: Their launch system seems really unique to me, and I like the horn noise that happens before they hurdle. Question for anyone on 1523, why does it take so long for the hurdle to actually happen after the horn/why does the horn last so long?
1649: Who would of thought that a garbage can lid and two vacuums powered by kit motors would actually work? Not I. Also, I was really impressed on Thursday why they tipped over and then was able to lift themselves back to the upright position.
1902: Defiantly has more bacon than the pan can handle. I really like their design (yes it's similar to 121, and several others but I still like the strategy overall). It seems given the correct alliance they will do really good this year (not like thats any different from the past two years)
2023: My team, I know but they seemed to be having some problems in the begging of the day but eventually got on the ball. They seem to be good at knocking down balls, they're an ok hurdler and pretty decent at laps. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING FLORIDA be sure to stop by their pit and ask about the Differential Swerve drive they have going on.

Game Play
Overall I feel there is a lot more defense going on at Florida than week 1 and week 2 regionals. I haven't seen any of the other week 3 regionals so I can't speak for what is going on in comparison to that.

Theres been a lot of penalties but they don't seem to be deciding the matches like they have been at the other regionals (or might be hearing the results incorrectly).

Surprise!

Having Dean show up this morning was really nice since Florida hasn't seen Dean, Dave or Woodie since 2005 when Woodie Flowers visited. His speech went really well. It was relatively short and to the point with only a few tangents.

Special Mention
Team 79 - Krunch has their thing for Relay for Life which I'm really proud of. Best of luck to the team to raise money for such a great cause.

200+ Lego League Students from Brevard county that were brought over by 233 were graciously given tours of the pits by the FIRST Ambassadors and several members from 1902, they also were able to watch matches for about two hours.

Safety
Team 168 really impressed me with their safety stations. I've used 3 or 4 of the supplies there becuase of little nicks on my person (I'm clumsy and I donut like blood so I cover them)

Team 1902 also has some really cool and good smelling suntan lotion. Because you don't want to be "bacon" in the sun!

Volunteers
Koko Ed came down from Rochester and has been a great help around the field. It's always really great to see friends you don't get to see too often.

Wayne Penn also came down from mass. to do some MC work. He's doing really well and I love his energy. I just wish he'd dance with us on the field!

Chicken Dance
Did anyone notice that during the slow part of the song the people on the field run laps around the track. :) Yeah I wonder who came up with that :rolleyes: I think it's a really fun change to the dance and ode to the game. I also wonder if our dance breaks are on the broadcast...



** Please keep in mind I've been up for over 12 hours on just 4 hours of sleep, some of this post may or may not make sense.

In reply to the chicken dance,
I might have been biased and not paying attention to much else, but I did see the base driver for 233 start doing it.
He may not have been 1st but he was the first one that I saw.
(I am the 233 tower operator, so thus the bias)

[IbleedPink233]

Congrats 233, 86, and 1251 great regional:)

Yes, it was a great regional. Not just because we did well, but all of the teams were great and courteous, the competition was fierce, and it was all around ridiculously fun.
There were definitely some gloomy times for us, since we came to the competition with a non-scoring robot, then had some motors that were smoking like nicotine addict, then had a combo speed controller-potentiometer malfunction, then had our top roller motor blow out during eliminations, then had the robot disassembled when we should have been called for a match. I have seen our pit crew work magic before, but to get all of these things fixed and then to do so well - I never would have imagined.
Thanks to 1251 and 86. We formulated our strategies and they fulfilled their roles beautifully, even when we had a roller malfunction, or even when we were disabled (sorry that we got entangled, 348).
I would also like to give a shout out to the Robocoach from 179, who, when we were caught on 69 as they were falling and we were not helping the situation, signaled me about how to get out of the situation. Awesome GP, especially since if we had stayed like that, we probably would have lost that match.
Great job teams.

PS: I'd also like to commend 342 for excellent base driving skills - some of the most strategic defense and effective execution that I have ever seen.

[vic burg]

Well, Michelle, it was actually about 400 FLL children.
I'm just wondering if Brittany ever did that total count at the end of the safety goggles.... I didn't see her when I left.... Actually, come to think of it, I didn't say good-bye to many of you. But, I couldn't find anyone!!!! LOL
I had a great time though personally, you other guys and girls (volunteers, teams, mentors, etc.)
I would like to congratulate all the teams that participated in this event, to thank all of the other volunteers that helped out, to thank all of the sponsors and mentors there, and also thank UCF for the great new venue.
Also, thank you SOOOO MUCH Mike and Nancy for allowing me to volunteer, and for actually coordinating EVERYTHING today.... and of course thank you to all of the other coordinators and 'head-honchos'!!!!
THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[Jetweb]

I was yelling at you guys when you were tangled up in 348 as well but you didn't see me then. 1251 definitely stepped to the plate in that match to bring in the win anyway though.
Grate matches played by the winning alliance, your flawlessness was un-beatable. congrats

JT (179 robocoach)

[Jetweb]

Does anyone else see something funny happen to the score at about 1:50 in this match????
just wondering if im crazy or not.

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/fl/fl_fm1.wmv

[coldfusion1279]

Well something definitely happened....

You still might be crazy though;)

No use now though..

[Jetweb]

Well something definitely happened....

You still might be crazy though;)

No use now though..

don't worry, i know the best team won. just thought it was strange.

[Joe Ross]

Does anyone else see something funny happen to the score at about 1:50 in this match????
just wondering if im crazy or not.

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/fl/fl_fm1.wmv

With about 37 seconds left in the match, 179 attempts a hurdle, misses, but gets points for it. With 29 seconds left in the match, 179's alliance loses 8 points (presumably the scoring referee correcting the previous score). With 27 seconds left in the match, 179's alliance loses another 8 points, which I can't explain.

[IbleedPink233]

Boy, would I feel awful if we won due to some kind of field/scoring malfunction. . .

[Jetweb]

Boy, would I feel awful if we won due to some kind of field/scoring malfunction. . .

don't worry you guys deserve it.

[James1902]

congrats to all teams!!!! Great way to start off in the new venue.

Team 233, 86, and 1251, ya'll are freekin awesome...again. It's an honor to lose to you guys...again.

Team 1523, You guys are absolutly stunning!! I thought our team did alot but when I heard the award announcement my mouth hit the floor:ahh: I love you guys.

Team 1649 and 180...that was an awesome alliance. Thank you for letting us join in the fun.
S.P.A.M, Ham, Garbage can!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[Michelle Celio]

In reply to the chicken dance,
I might have been biased and not paying attention to much else, but I did see the base driver for 233 start doing it.
He may not have been 1st but he was the first one that I saw.
(I am the 233 tower operator, so thus the bias)

I don't wanna argue, but I did it for the first time on Thursday, when we did the first chicken dance. But hey - if we can keep the trend going at other regionals, its cool!

I'm gonna do another overall analysis probably tomorrow, I'm dead tired but I've got some really cool points, I promise.

[hipsterjr]

BIG thanks to 179 and 69. Great alliance and thanks for letting us be a part of it.
Congrats to pink, 1251, and 86. You guys played great!
Florida was a great regional and now 342 looks forward to palmetto. Good luck to everyone in the rest of the season.

[IBdrummer]

I don't wanna argue, but I did it for the first time on Thursday, when we did the first chicken dance. But hey - if we can keep the trend going at other regionals, its cool!

I'm gonna do another overall analysis probably tomorrow, I'm dead tired but I've got some really cool points, I promise.

Yeah, and just half an hour after I posted it I saw a video of that with SPAM which must have been way b4

my bad

[hipsterjr]

Does anyone else see something funny happen to the score at about 1:50 in this match????
just wondering if im crazy or not.

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/fl/fl_fm1.wmv

I just watched that video. Your not crazy! If you even try to add up the points displayed on the board, you realize that the score was 84 to 74!...not 72 to 74!


Points break down:
Hybrid=42
3 Hurdles x 6pts = 18
1 ball underx2pts = 2
11 lapsx2pts = 22
Total = 84pts!!!!!

I know it is said and done, but I feel a little robbed. Still, congrats to Team 233, 86, and 1251.

[Koko Ed]

I'm here at the airport waiting to get on my flight home.
It's been an eventful and fun week starting with losing my wallet last Sunday (and having to be screened to get on my flight) to witnessing a nighttime shuttle launch with Barry (and waiting in an endless line of traffic that was like leaving a Bills game without the drunken brawls) to meeting 1884 the Griffens at the airport with Exploding Bacon to participating behind the scenes on a regional for the very first time. It was a great time.

Some particular shout outs:
-To Exploding Bacon. You guys are gracious hosts and a top notch team. You guys are like the MOE of the South in structure, spirit and in your efforts to spread the word of FIRST. You are truly a credit to FIRST robotics through and through!

- To my friends Barry, Dan, Arefin, Michelle, George,Wendy, Sarah, Wayne, Shaun and my many other friends who hung out with me in Florida and showed me a great time thank you for taking the time during this very hectic week.

- To the Florida regional planning committee. Great job on a very large and difficult event. In particular I want to thank Del, Stephanie, JoLynn, Vic,Tracy, Ed, Dennis and Dustin for their assistance and patience with the rookie.
It was a great week and I would love to come back next year and do it all over again (so long as it's not on the same week as FLR). It was truly a pleasure!

[LordRed]

Points break down:
Hybrid=42
3 Hurdles x 6pts = 18
1 ball underx2pts = 2
11 lapsx2pts = 22
Total = 84pts!!!!!



I know the video showed 42 points at the end of hybrid mode, but how did they get 42 points in Hybrid? I only counted 7 (or 8) line crossing and a trackball knockdown. Wouldn't that be 7x4 + 8 = 36 (or 40) points. Where did the extra 2 points come from?

Can anyone shed some light on this? I want to have confidence in the scoring system and not second guess them.

[David Guzman]

I just watched that video. Your not crazy! If you even try to add up the points displayed on the board, you realize that the score was 84 to 74!...not 72 to 74!


Points break down:
Hybrid=42
3 Hurdles x 6pts = 18
1 ball underx2pts = 2
11 lapsx2pts = 22
Total = 84pts!!!!!

I know it is said and done, but I feel a little robbed. Still, congrats to Team 233, 86, and 1251.

There was two hurdles from 179 that the board counted but they did not count. One they touched the ball before it touched another robot or the floor, and the other they didn't get over the overpass but you can still see the score go up. Then they correct it and take them off.

[hoorayforpink]

I just watched that video. Your not crazy! If you even try to add up the points displayed on the board, you realize that the score was 84 to 74!...not 72 to 74!


Points break down:
Hybrid=42
3 Hurdles x 6pts = 18
1 ball underx2pts = 2
11 lapsx2pts = 22
Total = 84pts!!!!!

I know it is said and done, but I feel a little robbed. Still, congrats to Team 233, 86, and 1251.


At about 1:15 swamp hurdles a ball over but it hits their bot so it gets descored. Then at about 1:38 swamp tries to hurdle again but doesn't get the ball over the overpass. So for the entire match I only count 1 hurdle by 69. Maybe thats where your counting three hurdles?

But maybe I'm missing something. If we lost in the finals due to field error I would feel robbed too. And if we did win the match on field error I am really sorry.

Anyway, I want to say a huge thank you to 1251 and 86. You guys were amazing alliance partners, and I hope we see you guys in Atlanta.

Also I want to thank all the teams who attended. The energy of the crowd definetly made this the best Florida regional I've ever been too, even if I've only been to three.

[Jetweb]

thanks everyone for looking at the video and pointing out things that I missed. It looks like after 2 mis-counted hurdles by swamp (one that didn't go over and one that hit us befor the floor) and a mis-counted autonomous (4 extra points for 342 not being over the third line before the buzzer) we should have lost 64 to 74

My faith in scoring is still gone though and i hope there are some corrections on how matches are scored before nationals

[Salbert]

Hey, I'm from Team 1523 MARS (we won the FL Regional Chairman's Award) and I just wanted to say that the FL Regional was awesome! It was my first time to a FIRST competition and the experience was great.

But anyway... I did our team's winning Chairman's Presentation and here are tips:

- Wear nametags
- Firmly shake the judges hand and say "Hello"
- Give them a folder/binder with info and tell them what's in them while others set up. We gave them a business plan and event documentation, I told them about it while my partners set up.
- Leave them goody bags (we had our MARS alien inside)
- Comment on their buttons (one judge had a SPAM button, I told them we did a demo for GE with SPAM)
- Anything you didn't cover in the presentation, try to bring up in the Q & A
- Make a business plan, the judges loved it!
- At the end, shake their hands FIRMLY and thank them for your time

I wish you all the best of luck, and for those of you going to Georgia, MARS will see you there!

P.S. Pink Team 233 was awesome. MARS' friends Swamp 179 was excellent. Cybersonics 103 was good too. The suction cup robot was cool too, it picked itself up when it tipped over.

[Barry Bonzack]

Congrats to all of the teams, which I have far to many accolades to mention than I have time to post.

Thanks to Mike and Nancy for the great coordination, and to all of the other volunteers I had the pleasure of working with. I am beginning to really enjoy announcing, feel free to PM me constructive criticism so I will be able to improve for future competitions. Greg, Wayne, and Dan are all excellent company, and a blast to work with. Don and the referees are great people and called matches accurately. Best of luck to all,

onward to Oklahoma!

[Mr B]

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Florida regional. It was a truly incredible event. One thing that struck me at UCF was the sheer number of friends made over the years with FIRST. It was nice to see so many familiar faces of both students and mentors, and I am humbled and grateful to have the chance to associate with so many wonderful people.

In my opinion, the Florida regional has set the stage for how this year's game will be played for the rest of the country. In a word - defense. Some of these robots score so fast that alliances simply must stop or at least delay them to have a chance at winning. (e.g. if you let 103 have free access to balls, they can beat your whole alliance by themselves) Another thing I noticed was just how valuable a good hybrid mode can be. It is really tough to overcome a 20+ point deficit in 2 minutes. Team 233 had some difficulties with our encoder gearing so we could only cross 2 lines - hopefully we can get it worked out in Hawaii.

The robots at UCF were amazing. For starters, there were several rookie robots who were really competitive, something you don't often see. Team 1649 had a suction device that worked exceptionally well, which is uncommon to say the least. There were some great scissor lifts too. Typically that type lift lurches when lifting and then is floppy once extended. Among the great lifters at Florida, team 79's lift was smooth and rock solid which gave them a quick and reliable scoring machine.

Usually you can look at the alliances in the finals and see which one is the "one to beat" - (and maybe we'll get lucky and they will be knocked out before we have to face them :D ). The alliances at Florida were all top notch, and any one of them could have won it given the right mix of circumstance and luck.

Thanks to all of you in the stands who cheered and injected so much excitement into the event - you turned a competition into a party. Believe me, the people on the field felt the love, and it made the experience that much better. Also, thanks to you all who worked to make this event happen - you did a great job. Things went so smoothly that we sometimes had to pause the competition to keep from getting too far ahead.

Thanks to our alliance partners 1251 and 86, you rocked and were fun to hang around to boot. And thanks to all of you other great friends in FIRST that came to play robots. It's awesome to be able to compete among so many outstanding folks. Finally, thanks to all the great people on team 233 - you make me proud to be pink!

[Nawaid Ladak]

hey guys

there is an article on the front page of the local section in the Orlando sentinel. i have yet to read it but it shows the pink team as the head picture and the article is wisly titled "born nerds...proudly". so if you get a chance pick up todays copy of the paper.

[hipsterjr]

At about 1:15 swamp hurdles a ball over but it hits their bot so it gets descored. Then at about 1:38 swamp tries to hurdle again but doesn't get the ball over the overpass. So for the entire match I only count 1 hurdle by 69. Maybe thats where your counting three hurdles?



Oh, ok. However it turned out, 233 and the blue alliance played a fierce match. It took everything short of a yellow flag to slow you guys down. With some luck 342 might win palmetto and see 233, 86, and 1251 again at Atlanta.

69 and 179 were incredible. We started off a little shaky, but by the end of eliminations, we were a considerable force.

342 had a great time and would like to thank all the event staff.

[techtiger1]

Thank you too 233, and 86 for being the best alliance partners anyone can ask for. For once, it was a nice for a change to play with instead of against 233. Thank you to the Fl regional committee for putting on yet another outstanding event. To all of my FIRST friends from Fl you guys are awesome glad I got to see you. 179,342 and 69 you guys were one tough alliance and I'm sure you guys will be successful at your next regional or the championship. Congrats to 1523 for winning a chairmans award as just a 4th year team.

-Drew

[Cowmankoza]

For once, it was a nice for a change to play with instead of against 233.

Seconded, 233 always puts out a top notch bot which always had a tendency to show up on the opposite side of the field as us.

Now we just gotta wind up on the same alliance as 179, after playing against them in the finals at UCF 3 times and Palmetto once, I think its time we get together :D

[LordRed]

The Florida Regional was my first regional and I have to say it was a lot of fun. I loved the venue, energy of the crowd, and talent of the teams. I have to tip my hat to the winning allience (1251, 86, and 233). We almost won our match against them, but I guess that is the way the ball bounces (pun intended).

And thank you team 79 for selecting us as your allience partners. And thank you team 348 for completing the allience. I think we where a great allience.

See you in Atlanta.

[Adare180]

Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year's regional. It was my first time volunteering at a FRC competition and I enjoyed every second of it. (Especially dancing on the field with Michelle, Dan, and Barry.)

I really want to give a huge congratulations to the Mars team. You guys are Mega Awesome. A role model to every team for sure! Props to Tim and the rest of your team on winning this year's award.

Best wishes to everyone in Atlanta!!!!!

[AdamC]

About safety.
There was a major incident in the pits yesterday where a member of 395 lost a part of his finger in the robot. I know you guys at times find the safety aspect of the game to be annoying and intrusive but it's incidents like this is why FIRST drives the safety initiatives so hard. Your body does not have replacement parts. Follow all safety procedures to the fullest even if it adds minutes to what you are doing. It'll be worth it in the long run.
What happened to our man was tragic, and it was largely due to a lack of communication among team members. However, let's not let a lack of time get in the way of proper safety. We now require that all team members step back a foot when the robot is on, and they cannot touch it until it is off. Also, all testing MUST be announced multiple times, and cannot commence until all team members are clear of the robot. Accidents happen, but they can be prevented with just a LITTLE bit of forethought.

[Swampdude]

Ouch, I think about that every year. I get in a rush and find myself willing to take risks, but then realize this competition is just a temporary thing. I did break my finger in 2003 in Atlanta, but it had nothing to do with the robot, we were goofing around in the hotel room.... heh.

OK so I wanted to say thank you to 1592, 1403, and 180 for giving us your Van door motors. We got about 4 matches out of each one. Thank you so much for those!

I had a great time this year, our students really stepped up to the plate and ran everything smoothly, I got to sit back for most of it and enjoy everything. I'm just very proud of these guys and girls. Our programming team are hero's to me. Scouting was great, and Sean (our driver) blew me away.

Big thanks to 69 and 342, it was a blast, and as Eddie said (from 69) we lost to the best. That couldn't be a truer statement. The pink tiger resistance solidified a strategy we couldn't get around in that last match. 86 played great defense on us. Frankly I didn't think we were going to get past the #1 alliance in the semis. Those were some incredible matches. It was great to see everyone again, it always feels like a family thing to me, great people and friends.

Congrats to 1523! Thats amazing, you guys are on fire. OH I FORGOT MARS GAVE US A MOTOR TOO! lol

[dmellich]

The pink tiger resistance
Wow, I like that Dan. Do we have your permission to use it?;)

Congrats to 1523! Thats amazing, you guys are on fire.

Mega Dittos.

[Swampdude]

Sure, do I get some kind of royalties? Spare van door motors?

[Pat Arnold]

The Florida Regional was fantastic; great weather, a new arena, strong competitors and wonderful volunteers, crew, judges, refs, & announcers. A huge thanks to everyone.

Congrats to the phenomenal winning alliance of teams 233, 86, and 1251. It was amazing watching you in action against the powerful robots/drive teams of the finalist alliance 69, 179 and 342.

MARS would like to thank alliance partners Teams 1065 and 2564 - it was fun working together; we really respect your teams, robots & efforts.

Thanks also to Josh, Team 86 alumni, who for the 2nd year made our amazing pit banner, and to Team 180 for giving us some needed nuts & bolts and your unique SPAM team award for our Autodesk Visualization entry (that means a lot coming from your talented team who ended up winning the regional's Autodesk Award, and the GP award!). Sincere thanks also to Team 179, our rookie year mentors who continue to share their experience (& put on a great preseason scrimmage). Your robots stand out every year & congrats on winning the Delphi's "Driving Tomorrow's Technology" Award. Treasure Coast teams in Palm Beach & Martin Counties sure shined at the event.

MARS is humbled to have been selected as the Florida Chairman's Award winner. Apologies to anyone sitting in the stands nearby; we truely were amazed, giddy and in shock as the selection was annouced.

[Dybala]

Team 2422 B.o.B. had a wonderful time at their first ever Regional Competition. A BIG thank you to everyone! We are very honored to have recieved the Rookie Inspiration Award and look forward to next year!

Also, an extra thank you to Team 79 for hosting the Tempest n' Tampa event this past September. We brought 20 students to the event, which sealed the deal for the creation of B.o.B.

[Swampdude]

I'd also like to thank all the volunteers at Fla. It's always the same great bunch. With all the ref bashing going on, I think we had it good. I didn't see anything funny, and everything was explained to our drive team. Our alliance was warned for impeding and gave us specifics on what to correct, but they let the game be played. I appreciate their willingness to communicate with everyone their concerns. I honestly think FIRST did a great job this year being much more communicative about everything. I think they see that the game will be played primarily by our attempts to conform to these rules as best we can. These Florida refs have been there year after year and always show respect to the efforts our teams put into this. I always enjoy our level of communication on the field as well. I felt the scoring and the penalties were right where they should be, and were consistent. They always seem to be having as much fun as we do. I also really liked the announcing this year, especially the ball randomizer :)
Good job everyone, and Thank You!

[techtiger1]

Let me just say Dan I completely echo you sentiments about the reffering. I wasn't on the field but from the stands it looked like they took there time to discuss what happened amongst themselves and both the alliences out there during the finals. Ohh and I will check on those van door motors for you guys. :rolleyes:.

[Jacob Paikoff]

Team 2422 B.o.B. had a wonderful time at their first ever Regional Competition. A BIG thank you to everyone! We are very honored to have recieved the Rookie Inspiration Award and look forward to next year!

Also, an extra thank you to Team 79 for hosting the Tempest n' Tampa event this past September. We brought 20 students to the event, which sealed the deal for the creation of B.o.B.

No problem and we are hosting our second annual Tempest 'n' Tampa this October and I was around collecting contact information from some teams. If I didn't come to your pits and your team would like to attend or would like more info on the event, either come to our pits at Nationals and ask for Jacob or you can visit http://www.roboticsboosters.com/tnt/ to find out more and sign up.

[Tytus Gerrish]

About safety.
There was a major incident in the pits yesterday where a member of 395 lost a part of his finger in the robot. I know you guys at times find the safety aspect of the game to be annoying and intrusive but it's incidents like this is why FIRST drives the safety initiatives so hard. Your body does not have replacement parts. Follow all safety procedures to the fullest even if it adds minutes to what you are doing. It'll be worth it in the long run.

Thats a Big Deal!!!
who was this guy? I would like to know what happened from him. I heard that he is a 22 Year old about graduate college. that got his index finger cought between a Roler Chain and a sprocket while the robot was bench testing autonomus mode. That is a tough Break, Litteraly!. I guess we will have to wait untill he learns how to type with only 9 fingers. Everyone NEEDS TO BE CAREFULL with these things!!! I have had way too many close calls. And fingers don't grow back

[dmellich]

Sure, do I get some kind of royalties? Spare van door motors?

I have six - albeit a few have shaft modifications. What are your requirements shaft wise?

[Koko Ed]

Thats a Big Deal!!!
who was this guy? I would like to know what happened from him. I heard that he is a 22 Year old about graduate college. that got his index finger cought between a Roler Chain and a sprocket while the robot was bench testing autonomus mode. That is a tough Break, Litteraly!. I guess we will have to wait untill he learns how to type with only 9 fingers. Everyone NEEDS TO BE CAREFULL with these things!!! I have had way too many close calls. And fingers don't grow back

I saw him during the awards cermony. He told me they couldn't get the finger reattached but otherwise he seemed to be in good spirits. He seemed ok. Nit that it is much of a consolation from what heppened to him.

[Jim E]

The Florida Regional was one of the finest venues I have ever attended. 61 teams fighting for positions, yet always willing to help your competition with spare parts, tools, advice, and whatever else is needed to keep your robot going.

First, I want to thank all of the parent mentors and especially Mr. Zachariah for coordinating getting all the students to Orlando. That feat alone is worth a special award!

Thanks goes out to our excellent alliance partners 1065 and rookie PR team 2564. Your teams delivered as promised. Our robot took a frame hit and couldn't overcome the resistance of dragging on the carpet. Hopefully we will see each other again in Atlanta.

I wish to repeat the Thanks to the Volunteers. You are the reason the event went as smooth as it did.

[Salbert]

Ouch, I think about that every year. I get in a rush and find myself willing to take risks, but then realize this competition is just a temporary thing. I did break my finger in 2003 in Atlanta, but it had nothing to do with the robot, we were goofing around in the hotel room.... heh.

OK so I wanted to say thank you to 1592, 1403, and 180 for giving us your Van door motors. We got about 4 matches out of each one. Thank you so much for those!

I had a great time this year, our students really stepped up to the plate and ran everything smoothly, I got to sit back for most of it and enjoy everything. I'm just very proud of these guys and girls. Our programming team are hero's to me. Scouting was great, and Sean (our driver) blew me away.

Big thanks to 69 and 342, it was a blast, and as Eddie said (from 69) we lost to the best. That couldn't be a truer statement. The pink tiger resistance solidified a strategy we couldn't get around in that last match. 86 played great defense on us. Frankly I didn't think we were going to get past the #1 alliance in the semis. Those were some incredible matches. It was great to see everyone again, it always feels like a family thing to me, great people and friends.

Congrats to 1523! Thats amazing, you guys are on fire. OH I FORGOT MARS GAVE US A MOTOR TOO! lol

When I saw 179's robot at their Swamp Scrimmage, I was blown away, you guys did awesome! Congrats at making it to the finals and getting the Delphi award!!!

[Swampdude]

I have six - albeit a few have shaft modifications. What are your requirements shaft wise?

Heh, thanks Dave. I was just kidding, but I'll gladly take one :)
as long as it's got a shaft longer than 1.5" we can kill it. Although a change will be made in Atlanta that should save it. We still have 1 spare. It was ridiculous how we went through them. I'm surprised they couldn't hold up better but it was a pretty good shock load situation.

[hoorayforpink]

Also, an extra thank you to Team 79 for hosting the Tempest n' Tampa event this past September. We brought 20 students to the event, which sealed the deal for the creation of B.o.B.

I would also like to say thank you to team 79. TNT was amazing. Easily the funnest first event I have ever been too. Great robots, great fun, open practices, exciting finals matches, and we even got like thirty kids from different teams to bottle (hacky sacking with anything that isn't a hacky sack-its what we call it) with us. It was a great event and I look forward to it again in October.

Although I'm not gonna lie. The 2008 Florida regional was almost as fun.

[hipsterjr]

and we even got like thirty kids from different teams to bottle (hacky sacking with anything that isn't a hacky sack-its what we call it) with us.

Try it with a track ball. It was fun until I just about broke my foot:p

[Akash Rastogi]

Congrats to 1251 for an intense performance. Glad to see you guys going strong:cool:

[swamp_child]

While I must admit we're not thrilled to get second again, we really want to break the rut, there is no teams I'd rather lose to than 233, 1251 and 86. That was sure an amazing alliance. 2 of the top hurdlers and then 86, who just played amazing defense the entire match.
Congratulations to 1523 for winning chairman's, you guys deserve it, I saw you working late Thursday night in the lobby of the hotel, preparing.
Even though Dan already said it, thanks toy all of our friends for giving us the van door motors. 180,1403, and 1523. You guys have no idea how grateful we are, with out you we would have not even made it into the playoffs. Also thanks to I think Jack is his name, the machinist on 180, who helped us mill out the dimples in our shafts. Thanks a ton guys!
This year again confirmed my belief that the Florida regional has got to be the hardest regional to win.

[David Guzman]

First of all I want to thank all the volunteers that made the event possible, you are all awesome.

I would like to thank teams 233 and 86 for being amazing partners. We had great communication and stuck to the plan. It was great.

This is the 4th time we have to face 179 in regional finals, and it is always so tough. You guys have an amazing robot every year and your partners were great. I just wish sometime in the near future we can be on the same alliance.

Last, but most definitely not least; congratulations to 1523 MARS. You guys are one heck of a team.

[vic burg]

While I must admit we're not thrilled to get second again, we really want to break the rut, there is no teams I'd rather lose to than 233, 1251 and 86.This year again confirmed my belief that the Florida regional has got to be the hardest regional to win.

I completely agree with you, Cody. I thought it would have been awesome if the 'Exploding Swamp Cats' won together this year. But hey, what do you expect? There were at least 10 more teams than last year.
But hey, everyone did great this year and I am glad that I got to meet the people I did (did anyone else not know that Barry has a brother?), hang out with the people I got to, and helped out with everything.
It's really funny though, because after I left on Saturday, I was about to tell my family members to put on their safety goggles when we were in their garage.... only to realize that I was nowhere near UCF.... ha ha.
This year was really great, though.
Thank you everyone!!!!

[popnbrown]

After I came home, the team members that did not go on the trip naturally asked those that did go on the trip how it went. In less than one day those that did not go regret not going.

We were comparing the Florida Regional to Boston Regional, thanks to all those teams that surrounded us with the spirit of FIRST and of course Disney, Florida ranked about 10times better than Boston.

Congrats to all those teams that won awards, it was the best robotics competition I have been to yet. So we have to convince our mentor to let us come again.

I don't know if any of you guys remember but on Saturday, my team started to chant other team's chants. Well, people at the airport learned them too. We were chanting all those chants we learned at Orlando Airport and Newark, even on Monday in school.

Thank goodness for cameras and video cameras, we were able to capture all the fun moments in Florida. Thanks also to every single team there that just made the regional the best yet.

I hope to see you guys all again!!!

[wsansewjs]

Wow the sound of "Pink Tiger Resistance" sounds really nice for our alliance! xD

I have to admit that beside my alliance winning the Regional, the Florida Regional and its committee have really lived up to their names. It have made the regional one of the bests I have ever gone to in my history with FIRST.

I want to give my most humblest thanks to everyone, I mean EVERYONE who made the event happens. From parents to mentors, to students, to sponsors, to volunteers to Dean Kamen, FIRST belongs in all of our hearts. I would like to point out that there were 6 Team Resistance 86-related, by parents and alumni, who volunteered at the Florida Regional. There has been already 3 more ready to sign up including myself. -gasp-

I also would like to point out our biggest congratulation to our own Todd Lovelace for being the recipient of the 2008 Florida Regional Woodie Flower Award Winner. The entire team did this award by themselves behind Todd's back, so it was a HUGE surprise for Todd Lovelace. Todd has been our inspirational "Chief Geek" for the last 13 years. He has graduated at least over 200 students along with his long-time friend, "All-Knowing" Dave Vogel under their belts. This has been an emotional process for the entire team including alumni from the past to the present. Feel free to ask me about Todd Lovelace if you like to know more about him or even meet him in person at the Nationals. I am sure he would love that!

MARS Team 1523 has been one of the few teams I have closely associated myself with and enjoyed watching them growing up from out of nowhere to Chairman's Award Winner.

Pat and Tim, it has been a honor to do the banners for MARS team and be part of MARS Team. I am more than happy to continue making banners for you guys and other teams anytime!

I was completely in shocked and awe when I heard the Chairman's Award descriptions. Congratulation MARS TEAM! You have successfully abducted me and made me one of you guys! I did wear the MARS shirt the day after the FL regional, and one of the alumni's parent said "He has been abducted by MARS!" when I was walking toward him.

Feel FREE to come by our website at http://www.teamresistance.org and check out our underground site where you can actually see how we build our robot from design to reality.

Well done and I hope you guys can take your experience from the Florida Regional and keep it one of your favorite memories in your lifetime, because one of these days, FIRST will be like actual sport organization along NBA, NFL, and we all would be the living legends. . .

Your new and old friend,
Josh Simpson
Team Resistance
Alumni / Mentor / Media Specialist

[Romino90]

Thats a Big Deal!!!
who was this guy? I would like to know what happened from him. I heard that he is a 22 Year old about graduate college. that got his index finger cought between a Roler Chain and a sprocket while the robot was bench testing autonomus mode. That is a tough Break, Litteraly!. I guess we will have to wait untill he learns how to type with only 9 fingers. Everyone NEEDS TO BE CAREFULL with these things!!! I have had way too many close calls. And fingers don't grow back

I know this thread is old but this is an important statement...I'm a safety captain for 1403 and when we were there and safety judge told me that I couldn't believe it...I stress that everyone isn't afraid to point out unsafe things going in ur pit..lets put it this **** happens and FIRST isn't worth losing a finger for...I know safety stuff is annoying but we all wanna go home in one piece after all we are dealing with 100+ machines with alotta moving parts...Lets keep that in mind for Atlanta..I just went to New York and I'd say yeah we were all pretty safe...just make sure you communicate with others in your pit and keeps your goggles and should be fine honestly