2008 New Jersey Regional

[Bongle]

Yeah, I've noticed at past regionals they've some fairly 'blue' music. Even if they were playing the radio edits, people know what it represents.

On a different note, I think I've figured out why the NJ webcast kept dying yesterday. They're running at twice the bandwidth that midwest is. Midwest is playing autodesk submissions right now, and is taking about 20k/s. New Jersey is running at about 40k/s. I'll confirm for sure when midwest starts doing games.

[Brian C]

We noticed that team 303 was DQ'd in a match for running into the other alliances wall during hybrid mode which caused one of the opposing alliances control system to fall off the shelf.

Was this the first time this happened for this team or were there earlier warnings for the same thing?

It seems a bit harsh if it was the first time. Plus, why didn't the other team have their control system secured?

[Bongle]

We noticed that team 303 was DQ'd in a match for running into the other alliances wall during hybrid mode which caused one of the opposing alliances control system to fall off the shelf.

Was this the first time this happened for this team or were there earlier warnings for the same thing?

It seems a bit harsh if it was the first time. Plus, why didn't the other team have their control system secured?

I've seen a few teams have to dive for their control systems, and I've also read here on CD that the velcro doesn't cut it all the time.

[BRAVESaj25bd8]

Is anyone watching the NJ webcast and thinks the music is STILL pretty bad? This really doesn't seem like FIRST music. Maybe it's just me?

[Steve S.]

Is anyone watching the NJ webcast and thinks the music is STILL pretty bad? This really doesn't seem like FIRST music. Maybe it's just me?

Yeah ive noticed the same thing...not sure whats up with that :confused:

[Nawaid Ladak]

WoW, that regional almost got messed up thanks to shaniqua..... WoW. congrats to team 103 and 25 for playing by the rules and not taking advantage to her mishap

[ChrisR_522]

WoW, that regional almost got messed up thanks to shaniqua..... WoW. congrats to team 103 and 25 for playing by the rules and not taking advantage to her mishap

Please fill me in?

[StephLee]

I've seen a few teams have to dive for their control systems, and I've also read here on CD that the velcro doesn't cut it all the time.

Two years ago our control panel was knocked down and our joystick smashed during auto. There was no penalty for the other team, and we were given time to get another joystick and run the match. I'm not sure that should have been a DQ since 555 did get to play the match, just based on past personal experience and common sense.

[Nawaid Ladak]

Please fill me in?

after the 8th alliance made their first pick, she went to 103 and 25 to ask them for their second pick where someone from 103 reminded her it was a serpentine draft...

[ChrisR_522]

after the 8th alliance made their first pick, she went to 103 and 25 to ask them for their second pick where someone from 103 reminded her it was a serpentine draft...

Ahh, ok. I missed that one.

[DUCKIE]

Just tuning in again, anyone know the alliance pairings?

[TheOtherGuy]

103, 25, and 381 (I think) are first alliance... they lost their first match, too!

[Kevin Sevcik]

Just started a thread on that totally weird alliance wide yellow card. Discussion starts here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=65299).

[jacobhurwitz]

We noticed that team 303 was DQ'd in a match for running into the other alliances wall during hybrid mode which caused one of the opposing alliances control system to fall off the shelf.

Was this the first time this happened for this team or were there earlier warnings for the same thing?

It seems a bit harsh if it was the first time. Plus, why didn't the other team have their control system secured?

The team whose control system fell was us (#449). We later found out that, during hybrid mode, you can cross the line to retrieve your OI if it's falling, but we didn't know that then. Fortunately, all the happened was that one of our joysticks broke. We couldn't play in that match, but we had a spare and fixed it for the next match.

As for why our OI wasn't secured, I'm not so sure. I know that Velco is available, but we had treads (or something with high-friction) on the bottom of our OI and thought that that would be enough. I think we now have Velcro, though.

[pentau]

Here are the different alliances...I'm not entirely sure of the seedings:

103,381,25
1676,1089,449
108,223,102
2016,694,1279
816,708,836
486,136,2180
1980,2590,11
555,303,41

[PandaMan]

103 / 25 / 381 vs 1980 / 2590 / 11 In Finals

[Tottanka]

CONGRATULATIONS 25, 103 and 381
also 11, 1980 and 2590, good work teams!

NJ WAS AWESOME!

[SPurekar]

Congrats 25, 103 and 381! you guys played a great game!

(and thanks SOAP for Gameday)

[Tottanka]

feed died just before chairman's announcement.
Who won?

[Joe Ross]

feed died just before chairman's announcement.
Who won?

1676: http://www2.usfirst.org/2008comp/events/NJ/awards.html

[Billfred]

I've been watching the webcast all day, and I've been pretty impressed--props to 108 for making it happen. I'll further the congratulations to 25, 103, and 381--it takes a lot to execute as well as they did, and they delivered.

Also, congratulations are in order to 1676 on winning Chairman's. I've always had nothing but good things to say about the Pi-oneers, and it's great to see them reach the top of the mountain.

Lastly, I've got to congratulate 2458 on winning the Rookie Inspiration Award. Their kids competed with 1618's robot at Brunswick Eruption last November, and I could tell they were on to something. While things didn't quite pan out on the field for them in New Jersey, it makes me glad to see they've gotten out of the gates strong as a team.

Considering the overlap between New Jersey and Chesapeake, I guess I should be afraid. Very afraid. ;)

[mtaman02]

I would like to thank all you teams that competed today... All of your robots were awesome. Congrats to all those who made it to the eliminations, won awards.

On behalf of the Team Queuing Team I would like to thank all the teams for cooperating with us. Your cooperation was completely appreciated. We stayed ahead of schedule all day b/c of your cooperation :)!

'08 This is the best Jersey Regional I have ever volunteered at and spectated since I started helping at this particular event... I can't wait for '09.

And lastly I like to thank my queuing team for getting me through this :) I thought for sure I was gonna mess up w/ the match flow but they were such a big help and everything :)

Good work to all those who Participated (In every way shape and form) & Volunteered this year and I hope to see you all at an upcoming event off-season most likely.

Good luck at Champs :)

P.S. I will have the elimination brackets up in a bit cause I'm bored already :p

[mtaman02]

Is anyone watching the NJ webcast and thinks the music is STILL pretty bad? This really doesn't seem like FIRST music. Maybe it's just me?

The DJ was playing awesome music he was playing all different genres, most if not all songs were those that were recently put out. His custom mixing skills need work nevertheless played great music...

I guess you guys hear differently on the webcast compared to in person :) He played nothing but up beat stuff :)

Velcro doesn't help unless you have the strong stuff!!! There was only really one team that had velcro and it still didn't make much of a difference. I know that opponents had to dive for their controllers counteless times in 3 days whether it was caused by one team or select teams I can't tell you... The ruling isn't harsh but you have all the time and place to test your auton mode even if its just in the pit on chocks hooked up to a tether... Thats why some if not all regionals are getting practice fields so that you can test everything before getting on the field. To prevent causing un-neccessary damage. It's the teams responsibility to test everything. Thats also why we run 2 practice matches per match on thursday so that you can find the bugs and fix them. If the ref's see and note your bugs on thursday and watch for them on competition day and still see them then the team should be penalized b/c that just means the team did nothing to correct it since it was first noticed and when they were first warned. Yea there's alot going on but whats more important, losing a match over penalty points b/c you decided to just go with what you have anyway or note your bugs and find a way to correct them in the time you have to build, ship, test, practice and compete with your robot. It's as even simple as just taking the auton code completely out for reviewing and let the robot sit there for 15 secs rather then attempting an untested auton mode and risking a team / alliance dq.

[robots for life]

NJ was my first regional I ever been to it was so exciting! I saw some inconsistencies in some of the final matches. It seems like there should have been some penalties called against the alliance of 103, 25, and 381. Possibly I misunderstood the rules but it seemed as if 25 crossed and line and then backed back over it to avoid another robot, also I saw similar missed penalties throughout the finals in some of the other matches but there seemed to be more in the finals. Also I do not understand the reason for yellow carding 816's entire alliance, I believe it was alliance 2 or 3. Perhaps someone can correct me if I'm wrong or show me a link to some videos.

[Akash Rastogi]

Congrats to 103, 25, and 381.You guys obviously had the stuff to do it once again.
Also I would love to congratulate the rookie team 2590, Nemesis, who is an incredible team and moreover and incredible group of people. I know that they have a bright future ahead of them. I loved our alliance with 1980 as well, the Brigade. Good luck to all teams and we will see you in Chesapeake and Atlanta!:D

Thanks to 2590 for calling us up as alliance partners. We just needed a shot to prove our robot and that was all we needed. We went from 45th seed to the regional finalists!!! Just goes to show what teamwork can do. :D

Red, Black, and Yellow...Fear it:cool:

[ks_mumupsi]

Congrats to team 103, 25 and 381 on winning NJ regional.

Team 2016 also wants to thank 694 and 1279 for being great alliance partners!!

[Vanquish]

Though it was a great regional one thing really made me mad. I watched the same few robots (not to name teams) continuously knock off the controllers of other teams, one of them even got disqualified after they knocked our teams controllers off. After that round (our robot was useless because of them) my teacher went to talk with the refs and they said that our team should have stepped forward and saved our controllers when they had not even announced that at all, but thats not the thing that makes me mad. What makes me mad is that when a controller got knocked off during the finals it was like the whole world ended, the stopped and restarted the match, but what about the 5+ other teams that lost control of their robots because of the same thing? I just don't understand.

Aside from that though, really great regional, lots of nice robots and some really cool people

[Romino90]

Though it was a great regional one thing really made me mad. I watched the same few robots (not to name teams) continuously knock off the controllers of other teams, one of them even got disqualified after they knocked our teams controllers off. After that round (our robot was useless because of them) my teacher went to talk with the refs and they said that our team should have stepped forward and saved our controllers when they had not even announced that at all, but thats not the thing that makes me mad. What makes me mad is that when a controller got knocked off during the finals it was like the whole world ended, the stopped and restarted the match, but what about the 5+ other teams that lost control of their robots because of the same thing? I just don't understand.

Aside from that though, really great regional, lots of nice robots and some really cool people

I thought that was only in the begging rounds of the championship matches wow that gracious professionalism went right out the window there lol...I had mix thought on the NJ this year..I didn't think the MC lady was as good as the Asian guy last year and I guess since our robot ( 1403) wasn't doing so hot it sorta ruin the vibe at least we won Engineering Award..and didn't shut up in the stands lol and con grads to 103,25, & 381 you had great robots and good alliance honestly like a minute threw the match I thought you guys should of just stopped there was no way the other alliance would make come back lol

[ssand1990]

On Behalf of 1403 and myself i would like to say congrats to 103, 25 and 381.
Also congrats to Team 1676 for winning Chairmans. You guys really deserve it.

Last but not least i would also like to congratulate all the teams that won award yesterday and today.

[Rich Kressly]

Though it was a great regional one thing really made me mad. I watched the same few robots (not to name teams) continuously knock off the controllers of other teams, one of them even got disqualified after they knocked our teams controllers off. After that round (our robot was useless because of them) my teacher went to talk with the refs and they said that our team should have stepped forward and saved our controllers when they had not even announced that at all, but thats not the thing that makes me mad. What makes me mad is that when a controller got knocked off during the finals it was like the whole world ended, the stopped and restarted the match, but what about the 5+ other teams that lost control of their robots because of the same thing? I just don't understand.

Aside from that though, really great regional, lots of nice robots and some really cool people

<G47> states the exceptio to the rule very clearly.
"TEAM Positions During HYBRID PERIOD – During the HYBRID PERIOD, the DRIVERS and COACH must stand behind the PLAYERS LINE within their ALLIANCE ZONE. During the HYBRID PERIOD, the ROBOCOACH must stay within one of the two designated ROBOCOACH STATIONS (either local or remote). Each violation (stepping outside thedesignated area, or stepping across the PLAYERS LINE) will result in a PENALTY. Exceptions will be made in cases involving personal or OPERATOR CONSOLE safety."

While it is upsetting to have these things occur, it is in no way an intentional action, it is something teams need to be prepared for, and teams are expected to know the rules. I'm sorry there was damage to a few operator consoles.

[Danny McC]

Well the last time I had talked to one of the IFI guys he had told me it wasnt the robots controller that was messed up. I felt horribly when seeing it happen but I don't really feel that we deserved that yellow card.

[Brickel]

I did in fact like how the refs stopped the match due to the breaking of the controllers. Though i wish the refs had done so for our team in our first qualification match of the day. But they did not and the match continued with our robot (219) simply sitting there.

[Akash Rastogi]

honestly like a minute threw the match I thought you guys should of just stopped there was no way the other alliance would make come back lol

Umm..no offense(or actually, offense) but that's kinda harsh considering we were doing really well and were undefeated in our elimination matches up until facing 103's alliance (also we were paired up with an awesome rookie team). So yeah...please think before you post your opinion b/c that's not something another team who worked just as hard wants to hear.

Also, I'm not doubting the strength or awesomeness of 103, 25, and 381's alliance. In fact I met a lot of their members and mentors and became friends with them.

[Scott Carpman]

Very enjoyable regional to watch. This game is much more exciting in a live venue than in front of a computer screen.

Congrats to 103, 25, and 381 for winning it all and also to MORT, the Brigade, and Nemesis for earning their NJ finalists trophies.

Congrats are also in store for Cougar on their EI and the Pi-oneers for Chairman's.

Nemesis: you have a very bright future ahead. Three throphies in a 15 minute span is impressive no matter what year you started. Keep up the great work and you'll have a Chairman's in no time at all.

One thing was bugging me the entire ride back from trenton: what happened to Stuyvesant in their semifinals match? It sort of just stood in place for 2 minutes then burst full speed ahead. Was it an IFI problem?

[Dominicano0519]

Umm..no offense(or actually, offense) but that's kinda harsh considering we were doing really well and were undefeated in our elimination matches up until facing 103's alliance (also we were paired up with an awesome rookie team). So yeah...please think before you post your opinion b/c that's not something another team who worked just as hard wants to hear.

Also, I'm not doubting the strength or awesomeness of 103, 25, and 381's alliance. In fact I met a lot of their members and mentors and became friends with them.


you are right about that one, you guys were awesome. good job and i hope you can take that amazing team of yours down to atlanta.

i want to congratulate 1676 on their chairman's award and their robot, and also MORT, the Brigade, and Nemesis on their performance

[thefro526]

NJ was my first regional I ever been to it was so exciting! I saw some inconsistencies in some of the final matches. It seems like there should have been some penalties called against the alliance of 103, 25, and 381. Possibly I misunderstood the rules but it seemed as if 25 crossed and line and then backed back over it to avoid another robot, also I saw similar missed penalties throughout the finals in some of the other matches but there seemed to be more in the finals. Also I do not understand the reason for yellow carding 816's entire alliance, I believe it was alliance 2 or 3. Perhaps someone can correct me if I'm wrong or show me a link to some videos.

I wonder if there's any truth behind that bad call thing, I think I saw the 25 call their referring to but I think it may have been a bad/missed call, there were some other calls made that were kinda fishy but w/e. Also there's a discussion about the yellow card call. Congrats to 103 on 4 years of victory and 25 for 3 years

[hipsterjr]

Any tips or advice from the finalist drivers on this year's game. As a driver, I want to hear your opinions on the game. I have heard of problems with glare off the lane divider; had any problems with this?

[coldfusion1279]

congrats to 2590 on being such a successful rookie team

congrats to 1676 on the chairman's award.

finally, congrats to 381, 25 and 103 on the win, you were just too much for us to handle.

1279 thanks our alliance partners for putting up such a great fight into the semifinals!

[thefro526]

Any tips or advice from the finalist drivers on this year's game. As a driver, I want to hear your opinions on the game. I have heard of problems with glare off the lane divider; had any problems with this?

When your in the right and mid-right spots there is a reflection off the lane divider. In some matches we saw robots and balls that weren't really there, make sure your coach is watching from the opposite end.

[Dominicano0519]

congrats to 2590 on being such a successful rookie team

congrats to 1676 on the chairman's award.

finally, congrats to 381, 25 and 103 on the win, you were just too much for us to handle.

1279 thanks our alliance partners for putting up such a great fight into the semifinals!

hey man you guys were great too

you mechanism for taking the ball off and possesing it simultaneously was just sick, if your going to any other regionals good luck

[Chaos204]

I am sorry if i offend anybody but rules or no rules i think that asking a driver to jump forward to catch their controllers is not only unreasonable, but un-gracious professional.

As the driver, those 15 seconds are the most tense of the match for me. Not only are you not in control of your machine you are trying to determine where you will be when it ends and how to continue the match based on the position of the balls. Now you need to worry if your controllers are going to be broken at the end of autonomous. I am supprised that they expect us to put our HANDS and FINGERS on the line to catch falling controllers. My robot is set up to hit the opposing fence then turn and continue but it does that per our programing and does so very gentally. If I saw this happening with any sort of regularity i would have no issue with a ref DQing any team including mine if it was with enough power to do this to a team. My alliance's controllers got knocked down several times. Many controller setup's I have seen are metal/lexan both of which are very capable of cutting and breaking digits(fingers) and when the window in front of me just got rammed by a 120lb robot barreling to me the last thing on my mind is to jump forward and grab that metal/lexan box that is now falling to the ground.
Risking my hands.

[Graham Donaldson]

I thought the NJ Regional was an AWESOME time. I was really happy we got picked by 1089- thanks team Mercury!- even though we were seeded 44th. Although, by our scouting, we were had the 9th-highest average score per round- shows the value of scouting!

I'd like to congratulate 25, 103, & 381 on winning the regional- we tried to stop you guys in the first match, but to no avail.

Congrats are due to 11, 1980, & 2590, in addition to all the other alliances.

Congrats are also due to 1403 on their Engineering Inspiration, 11 & Bill McGowan on winning Woodie Flowers, 2590 on winning Rookie All-Star, & 2458 on winning Rookie Inspiration. Congrats go out to all other awards winners as well.

See you at GTR & Atlanta! Here we come!

[Akash Rastogi]

I am sorry if i offend anybody but rules or no rules i think that asking a driver to jump forward to catch their controllers is not only unreasonable, but un-gracious professional.

As the driver, those 15 seconds are the most tense of the match for me. Not only are you not in control of your machine you are trying to determine where you will be when it ends and how to continue the match based on the position of the balls. Now you need to worry if your controllers are going to be broken at the end of autonomous. I am supprised that they expect us to put our HANDS and FINGERS on the line to catch falling controllers. My robot is set up to hit the opposing fence then turn and continue but it does that per our programing and does so very gentally. If I saw this happening with any sort of regularity i would have no issue with a ref DQing any team including mine if it was with enough power to do this to a team. My alliance's controllers got knocked down several times. Many controller setup's I have seen are metal/lexan both of which are very capable of cutting and breaking digits(fingers) and when the window in front of me just got rammed by a 120lb robot barreling to me the last thing on my mind is to jump forward and grab that metal/lexan box that is now falling to the ground.
Risking my hands.

I agree, but you'd think that most teams would have learned by the first day and would have brought some stronger velcro for the control box. (Someone also proposed using clamps to hold down the controls) but yea, it would suck to have anything break. =/

All teams: I would highly suggest securing your controls in a better way.

[Graham Donaldson]

Anyone know where to find the text of the awards speeches given? I know we were given a printout of the Chairman's script, but I don't have it and I'd like to read it again. Are they online?

[galewind]

I thought the NJ Regional was an AWESOME time. I was really happy we got picked by 1089- thanks team Mercury!- even though we were seeded 44th. Although, by our scouting, we were had the 9th-highest average score per round- shows the value of scouting!


1089 is is proud of their thorough (though archaic) scouting system. While normally we would never be one to pick a team that was already chosen, the numbers were a bit difficult to read on the list on the screen, and she wasn't sure if it was 816 or another team with a close number that was the #2 seed, so while she felt a little silly, it was because we didn't want to pass up a great opportunity. We were VERY happy with our alliance selections though, and heck, we were the only ones who could keep the #1 alliance under 80 points, let alone beat them a round. Not too shabby.

Thanks to 449 and 1676 for being excellent partners, and congrats to 1676 for winning Chairman's!!! Such a young team winning demonstrates that you truly must exemplify what FIRST deems as outstanding qualities.

Congrats to teams 25, 103, and 381 for winning the event!

Also, a congrats to our rookie neighbors, 2590 (Nemesis) for their numerous awards, including finalists and rookie-all-star!!

[Joe Ross]

Anyone know where to find the text of the awards speeches given? I know we were given a printout of the Chairman's script, but I don't have it and I'd like to read it again. Are they online?

I have never seen the text of the awards posted before (other then people providing their own transcripts). The video will probably be posted here: http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/nj/

[Waynep]

On Behalf of 1403 and myself i would like to say congrats to 103, 25 and 381.
Also congrats to Team 1676 for winning Chairmans. You guys really deserve it.

Last but not least i would also like to congratulate all the teams that won award yesterday and today.

This congratulatory note to the Regional Chairman's award winning team shows how much of a class act 1403 is. I have it on good authority that picking a RCA winner at NJ was extremely difficult this year. It did not go unnoticed that Cougar Robotics became a well deserved repeat Engineering Inspiration Award winner. I know you are destined to become a RCA recipient in the near future. Please keep up the good work as you continue to lead the way in inspiring those in your school and community.

[muffinxo]

GREAT REGIONAL!! I watchedd it!! Loved every minutes of it!!

Congrats to everyone who participated :D

Especially 816, you guys did great :D Loved the sexyy bot *wink wink*

[Chrisms]

I am sorry if i offend anybody but rules or no rules i think that asking a driver to jump forward to catch their controllers is not only unreasonable, but un-gracious professional.

I'm sorry if I offend you, but i'm not quite sure who's being ungracious here?

are we asking the control box to please disobey physics for those 15 seconds, or what?

fact of this game is high speed, and the real risk of impact. As we saw in practice rounds, pretty much up front, it doesn't take much to knock the boxes off. Your choice is risk your hands, or risk your controls. I'm not really seeing anything ungracious. They don't give you a penalty for diving froward to catch the box, What else can you really ask for this year? I mean, i hope next year they redesign the drivers stations.


also, congrats pioneers! i'm so happy for you guys! I'll see you all in Atlanta!

[Larry Albert]

Team 1980, The Brigade would like to extend their congratulations to the Alliance of teams 25, 103 and 381 on winning the New Jersey Regionals – you guys were awesome!. We would also like to thank our alliance partners Team 11, M.O.R.T. and Team 2590 Nemesis – it was such a pleasure being your partners. We would also like to thank team 108 for hosting the webfeed – it let all our people back in Maryland share in the excitement. Lastly, we’d like to thank the New Jersey regional staff and volunteers for putting on a great event.

Larry Albert
Lead Mentor
Team 1980

[George A.]

fact of this game is high speed, and the real risk of impact. As we saw in practice rounds, pretty much up front, it doesn't take much to knock the boxes off. Your choice is risk your hands, or risk your controls. I'm not really seeing anything ungracious. They don't give you a penalty for diving froward to catch the box, What else can you really ask for this year? I mean, i hope next year they redesign the drivers stations.




Sky did mention it at the drivers meeting, and I know it was suggested in the pits several times that teams put velcro on the bottom of the control boards to stop this kind of thing from happening.

[Laura 1547]

So Waldo just got back from their oh-so-enjoyable 11 hour bus ride home (yesss! one hour shorter than the way there) and for anybody who has a different time zone, it's 4:45 am right now and FREEZING cold outside. We're missing that hot New Jersey weather!

I want to say, on behalf of the entire 1547 team, thank-you to everyone who made our second visit to NJ just as, if not more, fun as last year. It was great meeting new people and seeing everyone again that we had met down there before. The whole team had so much fun and everybody was so nice to us (besides the regular Canada jokes...just kidding).

I'll write again when I've had more than 30 minutes sleep on a bus...I'm pretty much falling off my bed I'm so tired right now. Thank-you again to everyone!

[BandChick]

I have never seen the text of the awards posted before (other then people providing their own transcripts). The video will probably be posted here: http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/nj/

Joe's right, but last year we posted them on the NYC/NJ FIRST website (http://www.nycnjfirst.org). I'll see about getting a copy of them again this year, and let you know!

[Graham Donaldson]

The whole team had so much fun and everybody was so nice to us (besides the regular Canada jokes...just kidding).


Just be thankful you only deal with those for 3 days. I get them year-round! :D

Joe's right, but last year we posted them on the NYC/NJ FIRST website (http://www.nycnjfirst.org). I'll see about getting a copy of them again this year, and let you know!

Thanks for looking into it, Sara. As I said, I know we have a printout, but as you can imagine, none of us heard the second half of the speech because we were all just going nuts.

[Danny McC]

Does anyone have any video of our robot in action? If so please send me a PM or send an email at syntheticfear@Hotmail.com. Please and thank you.

[G1279]

It is stated in the rules that it is suggested to add Velcro to your control panel. It is a pain that control panels did fall and some did break because of that, but it is not the fault of FIRST. The judges did a great job at the NJ Regional and it was a fun three days. Congrats to 103,25,381. Though match in the semi-finals. Can't wait to compete again at Nationals.

[DonRotolo]

Also, congratulations are in order to 1676 on winning Chairman's. I've always had nothing but good things to say about the Pi-oneers, and it's great to see them reach the top of the mountain.
Thanks Billfred. The Gospel from Luke says "From those to whom much has been given, much will be required" *. Honestly, Chairman's is a huge surprise, since even internally we don't believe ourselves worthy. (I suppose that theory has been disproven).
We're missing that hot New Jersey weather!I have heard a lot of things about NJ in my 47 years, but never that one... OK, please warm it up in Toronto for our visit later this month? Please?

And for the record: Team Waldo is simply awesome. To everyone out there that has never seen this team, it's all female, all in red-and-white striped shirts, LOUD, technically excellent, and really, really nice people too. You simply canNOT miss them in a crowd, and as a team they "get" what FIRST is all about.

A huge thank you to 1089 and 449 for picking us - we sure did put a scare into 103/25/381 for a moment there, eh? They are awesome competitors, and have been in the four years we've existed, and we can be proud that we did pretty darn good against them. My personal congratulations to those three teams for their very very impressive display of technical prowess combined with competitive edge.

The Finalists - MORT, The Brigade and rookies Nemesis - sincere congratulations.

2590: Wow. What a rookie team. Very impressive in all ways. Remember to keep the mission of FIRST in front of you at all times, and you'll be getting Chairman's soon enough. See you in Atlanta!

73,
Don

* Not to push religion, but it's a good quote for this moment.

[Matt Keller]

Does anyone have any video of our robot in action? If so please send me a PM or send an email at syntheticfear@Hotmail.com. Please and thank you.

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/nj/

[Akash Rastogi]

The Finalists - MORT, Nemesis and rookies The Brigade - sincere congratulations.

Small correction: Nemesis(2590) are the rookies. They rocked the house with us and 1980 and I can't wait to see them all again.

Congrats to you too Don and 1676. Our team loves you guys and were so happy for you :D. You guys are constantly setting a great example for other teams and it is well deserved.

See you in Atlanta!

Team 11

EDIT: btw, isnt this the second year a team at NJ has won 3 awards? I believe 1676 did it last year. Plus, these guys are rookies:yikes:

[Greg Marra]

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/nj/

And in both downloadable and web streamable format indexed by team number on The Blue Alliance:

http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/event.php?eventid=139

[DonRotolo]

Small correction: Nemesis(2590) are the rookies. They rocked the house with us and 1980 and I can't wait to see them all again.

EDIT: btw, isnt this the second year a team at NJ has won 3 awards? I believe 1676 did it last year. Plus, these guys are rookies:yikes:
Thanks, I have corrected my post.

And yes, 1676 was the first to win 3 awards at NJ. And yes, these guys ARE rookies....

Double yikes!

Don

[Brandon_L]

Anyone have archives of the matches?

[Graham Donaldson]

Anyone have archives of the matches?

Team 108 archived them here (http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2008/movies/nj/).

Anyone know when SOAP will have the Saturday awards videos up? They've got Friday's awards and Saturday's closing comments, but no Saturday awards. Not that I'm being picky, however- I'm thrilled that they do it at all.

[Brandon_L]

Thanks, but does anyone have a vid of qualification #21? its not on there.

[dbeck103]

What a wild and crazy regional - I have to admit that when I first saw the game and up until we played I thought it was going to be lame. Boy was I wrong - That was one of the most exciting set of finals matches I have ever witnessed. 1089,449 and 1676 put a huge scare in us and it was pretty quiet after the first match. Congrats to 11,1980 and 2590, which had one heckava hybrid mode, for being finalists. Congrats to 1403 on the Engineering INspiration Award and a huge congrats to 1676 on the Chairmans that is an honor. I want to thank 381 for being an incredible alliance partner and we can't forget about 25 -- They are an incredible team with a lot of great people from the mentors to the students, they have become friends. All in all it was a great regional and we can't wait for the Florida Regional. Congrats to all.

[flyingcrayons]

oh man we were all excited after beating you guys in the quarterfinals. then you guys roared back. great job. on the ride home, we were all like "there is no shame in losing to the champion", and we also vowed we would get revenge if we met any of you guys in Atlanta. Good luck in Florida, and Atlanta, but watch out, we're hungry for victory.

oh and conrats to 1676 for chairmans.

also congrats to 2590, amazing job. in the finals, we were torn because our mentor and sister team 25, and a team we mentored, 2590, were against each other.

anyways, good luck to all, and we hope to see you in atlanta!

[Brandon_L]

We had parts from our bot fall off and break on 3 diffrent matches. In practice, a panel just fell off and didnt break (we later decided to zip tie it down.)

In qualification, we got rear ended and the same panel cracked in half and the other half flew across the field, then in another match a robots arm whet THROUGH our panel into the bot itself. No damage to the bot though :D

What a crazy year. So much for the "No Bumping" rule.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Does anyone have any video of our robot in action? If so please send me a PM or send an email at syntheticfear@Hotmail.com. Please and thank you.
http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/team.php?team=816

[popnbrown]

Umm..no offense(or actually, offense) but that's kinda harsh considering we were doing really well and were undefeated in our elimination matches up until facing 103's alliance (also we were paired up with an awesome rookie team). So yeah...please think before you post your opinion b/c that's not something another team who worked just as hard wants to hear.

Also, I'm not doubting the strength or awesomeness of 103, 25, and 381's alliance. In fact I met a lot of their members and mentors and became friends with them.

Well, no offense taken but I don't think my colleague truly meant that. You guys put a hell of an effort into trying to beat the alliance. As a matter of fact, even though 25 is a BMS team and so we would support them, halfway through the second match of finals we were rooting for your alliance.

Other than that congrats to all the teams that won awards and all the people like Team 11's Bill McGowan for Woodie Flowers, you guys must have had a hell of a party after, when our Mentor Mr. Tim Leicht won it last year, I went deaf in the bus.

Huge congrats to 1676 for Chairman's and Team 1403's chairman presenters, they did a real good job this year.
The winning aliiance and the strong competition they had throughout the final matches, especially the finalists led by 2590.
To team 1547 for Spirit, just to add in I hope next year our team goes to GTR.
Great job 2590 for all their awards, totally amazed that a rookie team can win 3 awards in less than an hour. Although anything is possible, WOW!!

This year regional, although I'm not very fond with the game I had the most fun, a round out to all those frosh that stood by me when I was yelling and backed me up when I lost my voice (gotta recharge before Florida).
I am quite dissapointed that it's over already.


Quick Question for any members from 103, when are you guys going to Florida? Like date and time? Just to see if we take the same flight.


I'm sure I will see a bunch of you guys throughout the season and if not next year.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE SEASON!!!!!!

[Dancin103]

I would just like to say, that I had an awesome time at this regional. I have witnessed every year of this regional since it was all started 12 years ago. And let me say this, this has to be one of the most exciting years of them all. It has been awesome to see how much this regional has grown, starting with the amount of team in attendence doubling over the years. Starting at the Rutger U College Ave Gym and now moving to a huge arena, and still wanting more room to grow. It has been an incredible time. This regional is always fun, and I am glad that I had this much fun at this regional in my senior year.

Congrats to 1403 on Enginneering Inspriation and 1676 on chairman's, it is a great honor. And as well congrats to teams 11, 1980, 2590. And thanks again to teams 25, and 381 you guys made great alliance partners.

Thanks again to everyone for making this an awesome regional, keep up the great work, and see you in two weeks in Florida!

[DudeWithAMood]

It seemed like a communication error/ gremlin error.

Our OI was reading 1.1V meaning it wasn't reading any power. IFI said our battery was dead, but it wasn't. Our victors were spinning and everything. Then a robot bumped us, voltage shot up back to 13.3V and everything started working.

I remember someone saying the IFI guy moved our robot forward to show us it started working, but it was probably our driver.

We did a crazy amount of testing when we got back. We couldn't find the culprit. We even took out all of our wires apart to check if anything was fried/loose.

If we had to suspect anything, we are going to suspect the battery. The battery was nice and tight, and the wires were making full contact.

It drives us crazy that we didn't move. We only lost by 20 points. If our robot had moved we could have easily made 20 points.

Oh well. Onto NY.


Very enjoyable regional to watch. This game is much more exciting in a live venue than in front of a computer screen.

Congrats to 103, 25, and 381 for winning it all and also to MORT, the Brigade, and Nemesis for earning their NJ finalists trophies.

Congrats are also in store for Cougar on their EI and the Pi-oneers for Chairman's.

Nemesis: you have a very bright future ahead. Three throphies in a 15 minute span is impressive no matter what year you started. Keep up the great work and you'll have a Chairman's in no time at all.

One thing was bugging me the entire ride back from trenton: what happened to Stuyvesant in their semifinals match? It sort of just stood in place for 2 minutes then burst full speed ahead. Was it an IFI problem?

[Akash Rastogi]

Oh well. Onto NY.

That is truly something I love to hear from such a hard working and great team. You guys have a wonderful robot and I think with a little tweaking you could go far.:)

Good luck in NY

[jayjaywalker3]

1279 thanks our alliance partners for putting up such a great fight into the semifinals!

Thank you also and team 2016 as well. Speaking for myself only I want to thank you guys for already making my first year as Director of Strategy and my last year as a student on my team a success. I came from being almost useless last year (except for in ultimate frisbee) to picking a semifinalist alliance that could have definitely made it to the finals and won. Although I can only speak for myself I know that everybody on my team was extremely happy with your team(1279)'s and team 2016's performance. I wish our robot worked in our last match, especially since the score was so close but I understand that it is the nature of the game and that it happens. So again thank you to not only your team but team 2016 as well.

hey man you guys were great too

you mechanism for taking the ball off and possesing it simultaneously was just sick, if your going to any other regionals good luck

I agree that that mechanism was awesome as well as being able to hurdle both overpasses and being able to hurdle over a ball placed on the overpass.

I also want to say to team 381 that you were definitely one of the nicer teams to work with on my part (im not a driver) in the qualifying matches of. I was really $@#$@#$@#$@#(i guess i mean darn here) nervous because i had never talked to another team before but you guys were cool to talk to and didn't ignore me like some other teams. Also you guys played some great defense in those elimination matches including the defense you played on our alliance in the semifinals. I definitely think that the regional would have ended differently if your team wasnt there.

Finally. Congrats to you guys and team's 103,and 25 for winning the regional.

I also want to say congrats to team 1676 for winning the chairman's award. That scouting system you guys set up was awesome, and learning that the picks i made were correct and backed up by more data while waiting to go up on to the field to make those picks was a very relieving feeling.

Next stop home game in NYC. Im going to be working hard for the month along with the rest of my team preparing for it but when it comes we'll be prepared.

[Bharat Nain]

NJ Regional was a blast this year despite the amount of work and frustration we went through to fix our robot. But that is what makes it fun sometimes.

Overall, I was very impressed with just about every aspect of the NJ Regional this year. They fixed the floors this year so this is the first time I have come out of the NJ regional not feeling sick. The entire field crew including referee's, MCs(Wayne and Shaniqua), Announcers(Chris and George), scorers, queuers, pit announcers, robot inspectors, Judges and pit desks were all very friendly and made the competition run smoothly. All this is a huge step up from last year. Everything seemed to be a whole lot more organized than last year too. Congratulations to all who made it happen. My only complaint was the field was not completely into specs and no one told us the field used an IR system to track the laps. Both things messed us up for a couple days.

It was an honor to play against our neighbors 11 along with 1980 and 2590. Thanks to a good match pairing algorithm, we did not have to play 11 all day.They came up with a very decent robot and they truly deserved to be finalist.

Congratulations to 1676 on the Chairmans. I cannot think of a more deserving team for this honor. I remember working with them when they started their team and they had a good mentor-base very early. This team knows where to learn from example and where to start their own ripples. With a combination of practicality, hard work and honest dedication, they made themselves worthy of this award even though they are a very young team.

I cannot thank our alliance partners 103 and 381 enough. 381 decided to keep it simple and do their job very well. This is what we looked for when we picked them. We would also like to thank 103 for picking us this year. Over the years, we have become good friends by working together on various things. They build excellent robots and they are one to watch out for this year. It was no easy task taking this regional again and all the teams we played put up an excellent battle. It was definitely an adrenaline rush to play against them.

Finally, I'd like to thank team 25 for letting me be a part of them. It is truly an honor to work with bright minds such as Mr. Cokeley, Shaun, the BMS guys and some really excited students. There is always something to learn when I'm around them and there is always something to give. Putting together such a team is no easy task and it has taken years to do so. It is inspiration.

-Bharat
p.s. Congratulations JessJank("MOM") for running into the "boys room" one more time at a robotics competition.:p :p

[Rich Kressly]

Thanks, I have corrected my post.

And yes, 1676 was the first to win 3 awards at NJ. And yes, these guys ARE rookies....

Double yikes!

Don

Almost,
103 did it in 2003
https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=teaminfo&team=103&event_type=FRC

[Graham Donaldson]

Almost,
103 did it in 2003
https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=teaminfo&team=103&event_type=FRC

As I see (and I could be wrong, I only did a quick look), 103 won two awards and was a finalist. 1676 won three awards (J&J, Motorola, and Website). I know
2590 was a finalist- did they only win two other awards?

[spikes251]

Congrats to teams 25, 103, 381 for the win. Hope to see you guys later (toronto or atlanta?).

[Corey Balint]

I have a few congratulations to send out to NJ regional teams. I found and congratulated most of the team leads in person, but to the rest of the teams...

Thanks to 103 and 381 for putting on a terrific display. 103: Your shooter was very good, you were by far and away the best hurdler at NJ. You had the regional in the bag from the get go. 381: I called your design a great looking U-Boat that should be able to maneuver around other teams quite easily. You proved me right. Great job!

To 1676, you guys are just awesome! I've seen a lot of the stuff you have accomplished over the years, and you are a terrific FIRST team. I feel awesome knowing that I was around you guys from the start. Your team has had a great impact on FIRST and myself.

To 1403.. so close, yet again. But don't worry, you guys will get the Chairman's soon enough. You more than deserve it; you are a beam of light out of Central Jersey. And with the Leichts up front, you will soon be one of the best teams in the Mid-Atlantic.

Finally, to team 25: I was very upset with the way the drive team conducted themselves. C'mon, you are a much better team than that. I felt embarrassed talking to other teams at the event knowing I was associated with you. It is wrong to take what should be "locker room bulletin board material" and put it on the back of your shirts, as you did. You shouldn't publicly mock someone's opinion like that. In this case, the opinion is true. You ARE clearly mortal. You can (and most likely) will be defeated. What you did was neither gracious nor professional. It was truly disappointing to see a team that many look up to, look childish and immature. Watch out for bumps this season, the fall from your saddle is a long one.

[coldfusion1279]

Please keep in mind that this forum is used for constructive networking between teams around the world. I hate to see threads get locked.

[Akash Rastogi]

Please keep in mind that this forum is used for constructive networking between teams around the world. I hate to see threads get locked.

Yeah, thanks for that reminder.

Btw, awesome robot. Cold Fusion is constantly putting out awesome robots onto the field. :D

[Libby K]

Everyone at the NJ regional was awesome. 1923 loved getting to work with all of you.

To the gals (and guy) from 103- thank you for letting me sing with you on the national anthem. :)

On that note, does anyone (either SOAP or TBA) have video of Saturday's national anthem? My mom wasn't able to make it to NJ Regional saturday, and she wants to see it (and, of course, like any mom, pass it around to everyone she knows.... oy.) :P

[DonRotolo]

Almost,
103 did it in 2003
https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=teaminfo&team=103&event_type=FRC

Two awards and a Finalist, three awards (and a robot that hardly moved...:eek: ). Doesn't matter. Team 103 is still one of our heroes, and we'd never want to detract from them. Thanks, Rich, for clarifying

Don

[jayjaywalker3]

Finally, to team 25: I was very upset with the way the drive team conducted themselves. C'mon, you are a much better team than that. I felt embarrassed talking to other teams at the event knowing I was associated with you. It is wrong to take what should be "locker room bulletin board material" and put it on the back of your shirts, as you did. You shouldn't publicly mock someone's opinion like that.

What is he referring to?

[Danny McC]

He may be referring to the stickers on the shirts that said "Clearly Mortal" but im not sure. If so I thought it was quite humorous.

[Wayne C.]

What is he referring to?

Guys- Lets let the subject drop. Thanks.

WC

[Corey Balint]

He may be referring to the stickers on the shirts that said "Clearly Mortal" but im not sure.

That would be correct my friend. It was far from funny though.

[jayjaywalker3]

That would be correct my friend. It was far from funny though.

I do not understand what is so bad about this. I think I am missing something here.

[Danny McC]

I understand where you are coming from. I guess if I really think about it, it is quite immature.

[DanDon]

Guys, please, let's let the subject drop. The regional is over, everyone had tons of fun, the game played out as it wanted. Let's not let this thread get as heated as it has gotten in the past.

[Danny McC]

I did have quite a lot of fun. For once my team had team spirit when the drive team went out on the field. That made me more happy than anything else at the competition this past weekend. Even going 8-0 in the qualifying matches,

[Corey Balint]

Guys, please, let's let the subject drop. The regional is over, everyone had tons of fun, the game played out as it wanted. Let's not let this thread get as heated as it has gotten in the past.

Why? This is a public forum for constructive criticism. If a team does something that is deemed negative, people should be allowed to share their feelings about it to show them that people thought they were wrong and something should be done about it.

[rdlevy1215]

Just an update ... Team 108 has graciously updated their website with all of the Saturday Awards.

[galewind]

Why? This is a public forum for constructive criticism.

First, I had no idea that the purpose of this forum was for constructive criticism. I was clearly misled.

Second, what is constructive about your comments? I understand your claim, and you've made your point clear, but there's nothing constructive about pressing the issue. Take it into private conversation, or at least some other thread -- as it's not really related to the regional as a whole.

[DonRotolo]

Seconded.

[Corey Balint]

First, I had no idea that the purpose of this forum was for constructive criticism. I was clearly misled.

Second, what is constructive about your comments? I understand your claim, and you've made your point clear, but there's nothing constructive about pressing the issue.

The point of this forum, along with socializing, is to help other teams (constructive criticism). The part the team needs to build on (what I am trying to be constructive about) is the team having more respect for peers and others. There was no need for such behavior, and someone needed to tell them.
Things like this have been said about many other teams before on this forum.

I've now said enough though.

[DanDon]

The point of this forum, along with socializing, is to help other teams (constructive criticism). The part the team needs to build on (what I am trying to be constructive about) is the team having more respect for peers and others. There was no need for such behavior, and someone needed to tell them.
Things like this have been said about many other teams before on this forum.

How does this issue convey disrespect? That part still has me confused. What happened could even be considered as "embracing opinion." The actions of the team were even inline with an opinion posted on this very forum. What is the difference between an outsider stating that a team is "clearly mortal" and the team itself professing that very fact? Especially considering that the statement can be construed as "true."

[Mike Schroeder]

*puts on Moderator pants*

Okay kids, now this is what we call a difference of opinions, Corey is right he has opinions that are his own and nothing of what i saw violate forum rules, Now everyone else including Corey, constantly disagreeing and while pointing out your opinions is not against forum rules saying that a person should vary his/her point of view isn't right... morally so let sleeping robodawgs sleep and laying technokats lay.


*takes of Moderator pants folds them nicely and puts them back in his bottom drawer*

[mhayon]

To 1676, you guys are just awesome! I've seen a lot of the stuff you have accomplished over the years, and you are a terrific FIRST team. I feel awesome knowing that I was around you guys from the start. Your team has had a great impact on FIRST and myself.



If I [we] have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

[petek]

At the least, Corey started a discussion with far greater philosophical depth and social relevance than 10 pages of: its back, but it crashed again

[coldfusion1279]

Petek,

maybe its my engineering mind, but i don't even understand what the heck that means haha...

your philosophical wisdom dwarfs my knowledge on the subject (1 class in college), lol

nonetheless, great job with the regional!

[jayjaywalker3]

Petek,

maybe its my engineering mind, but i don't even understand what the heck that means haha...

your philosophical wisdom dwarfs my knowledge on the subject (1 class in college), lol

nonetheless, great job with the regional!

He is refferring to earlier in the thread when most of the posts were about the status about the web broadcast. Many of those posts were repeats of each other but i did like the posts that were about the matches from the outsiders point of view.

[mtaman02]

I finally got around to locating the elim brackets for this year keep an eye out on how it all went down pretty soon... as soon as I'm not so lazy to use the scanner :p

BTW LOL to Big Mikes post :)
Big Mike since when do you have moderator pants :p

[Corey Balint]

If I [we] have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Now this man, my friends (and enemies), is a true genius. 1676 is spectacular. I wish you all nothing but the best the rest of the year.

[Graham Donaldson]

Now this man, my friends (and enemies), is a true genius. 1676 is spectacular. I wish you all nothing but the best the rest of the year.

Well, Matt is the man that started it all- he is the genius. We'll do our utmost to continue in our path. However, what Matt said does ring true, and I sympathize with it. Team 1676 has learned so much from all of the amazing teams we see every year at the NJ Regional- 11, 25, 75, 103, 375, 1403 (those are just the ones I think of in 5 seconds). These past 3 years, we have had AMAZING role models to look up to and learn from. Now I can only hope that we can do the same for others.

By the way, all the awards videos are up on SOAP. I was mildly disappointed that you couldn't hear us screaming after they said "Girl Scouts"- :D.

[Elgin Clock]

At the least, Corey started a discussion with far greater philosophical depth and social relevance than 10 pages of:
Quote:
its back, but it crashed again


Hahahahaha! Stupid real-time discussions from members about the webcast.. Aye.. :rolleyes:
I always hated that about CD when things were "live" during regionals & even kickoff more-so. The real-time discussions here about the stupidest things.

Good call Pete! I agree whole-heartedly! :)

Constructive criticism posts > real-time chatter!

[DonRotolo]

Now this man, my friends (and enemies), is a true genius. 1676 is spectacular. I wish you all nothing but the best the rest of the year.
Well, Matt is the man that started it all- he is the genius.
Perhaps more of a genuis, and more of the "guy who started it all" than is publicly known.

Perhaps some other time, in a different thread, I'll tell what I know of that story. But for the moment, let it suffice that Matt literally started Team 1676. He is the first student involved and the sole force who got the faculty interested.

The honor of winning Regional Chairman's still humbles us.

But this honor is just as much from the hard work of the alumni, as it is from this year's work. Chairman's does not happen overnight, not this time, or any time.

Don

[Danny McC]

This doesnt have to do with the comeptition. But good luck to all juniors who have to take the HSPAs this week. They arent as hard people say.

[Akash Rastogi]

If I [we] have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Beautifully said. But again, you guys totally deserve it. Our whole team is so proud of you guys and the Chairmans team said that they could not have lost to a more deserving team than you. If you didn't know, we kinda love you guys:p
Who are the giants you refer to? Because I would also like to congratulate them for being great role models to an amazing team.

See ya in Atlanta:)

EDIT:That doesnt have to do with the comeptition. But good luck to all juniors who have to take the HSPAs this week. They arent as hard people say.

lol, HSPA's are a joke. They have us take practice ones soph. year but the freshies get to go on field trips for 3 days while my class had to take them last year:mad:

[Graham Donaldson]

That doesnt have to do with the comeptition. But good luck to all juniors who have to take the HSPAs this week. They arent as hard people say.

The quote was referencing how we (1676) have learned by watching and being helped by others (giants), and how that learning has led us to win Chairman's. I would say it does have to do with the competition. But, to each his own...

Oh, and yes, HSPA's are a joke. Math was one of the easiest things I've ever done. Now, all the writing over the next two days...that will annoy me a little more.

[Danny McC]

I am totally sorry my friend. I should probably edit my post :ahh:. Its supposed to say This has

[i_am_samus]

I know this is a bit late, but congrats are due.

Team 11, and Team 1980, YOU GUYS FREAKING ROCK! From all our scouting, it wasn't rank that mattered, it was the assets you guys provided for us that mattered. And you guys did not fail in delivering the best competition strategy and cooperativeness (is that a word?) for us. Likewise, we tried to be the best teammates as well, and I think we made a great team. We definitely need to get together ;)

For Team 25's alliance, CONGRATULATIONS! We were shaking in our pants when we found out that we had to face you guys in Finals. You are a formidable foe, and we feel privileged to have been able to face you guys. You all definitely deserved to place as Champions.

All other teams, your robots were amazing. I know, half the time I was thinking "man why didn't we do that?" Ingenuity and innovative designs are really pushing this competition forward.

For those that made it to Atlanta, Nemesis can't wait to face each and every one of you, and make long lasting partnerships.

:D

[i_am_samus]

The quote was referencing how we (1676) have learned by watching and being helped by others (giants), and how that learning has led us to win Chairman's. I would say it does have to do with the competition. But, to each his own...

Oh, and yes, HSPA's are a joke. Math was one of the easiest things I've ever done. Now, all the writing over the next two days...that will annoy me a little more.
Yeah I got a perfect score on the Math.

The HSPAs are not there to fail you though :P