Chairman's Predictions
 

Son with all this talk about who is going rank where and what new OPR metric we can use to figure out which team will beast who on a last second truss shot, I'm surprised there is no mention of the prize that SHOULD be most coveted above all others.

Of course I'm talking about the Chairman's Award.

So although many of you are at the Championships. I think it'd be fun to talk about who we think will be the newest inductee to the Hall of Fame.

The only caveat is that I ask that you don't mention your own teams. We know you're proud of your accomplishments, but use this time to brag about another one of your competitors! What do they do that inspires you? That drive you? That other tea!s want to emulate?

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

2014 HOF: 27

Runner-Up: 604,503

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

Any particular reason why?

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

Last year, I went out on a whim and picked 1538 to win it all and the rest above were my back-ups for 2013. Although the amount of previous chairman wins aren't important, it shows that these teams know how to present for it too. All of these teams have great programs that continue to get recognized. I thought they all had a shot at it last year, and I'm sure that all of them continued to do even more this year.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

Not that I know all of the teams up for the Chairman's award very well, but a few that I wouldn't be surprised to see win would be 11, 624, 1986, 33, or 503, simply because of the great programs they have built.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I think we're due for a Michigan win.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I agree with this, but it kinda stinks that you forget to mention the work of a certain team. ;)

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I'd put my money on Team RUSH 27 for CCA as well. They were my bet last year-- from watching them at Northern Lights and talking with some of their members, the sheer amount of outreach and advocacy that they do is a cut above anyone else I've seen.

Runners up: I got a peek at Killer Bees 33's submission and definitely would say they're getting there. While I think RUSH has more in terms of years (how do you argue with that many District and State Championships wins?), I think the Bees are definitely getting there. Frog Force 503 is another perennial from Michigan that has a solid shot at it.

Quixilver 604 has an incredible program as well, and I wouldn't surprised if they came away with the big prize in the next few years.

From PNW, there's a couple of long-time leaders-- Skunkworks 1983 who I think has at least an outside chance (I'm not as familiar with their program though), and Flaming Chickens 1540, who have flown below the radar a bit (aside from being within two numbers of last year's winner!). While I personally wouldn't bet on either (yet), I would be remiss to ignore their incredible achievements.

Just looking at their history, I think Kell Robotics 1311 would definitely fall into the same category, along with G.R.R. 340 and Panther Robotics 1108.

I think the new rules for submissions have given us our most competitive Championship Chairman's field yet. I look forward to seeing wins the most prestigious award on Saturday.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I also agree with Team 27 taking home the hall of fame for chairmans award. If you haven't seen there video I'd watch it. Also I believe that Coconuts (team 2486) stands a strong chance, They have won the chairman's award 5 time in last 4 years consecutively !!!

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

Not quite. They've won the last four years and in 2009. I'll second that the Coconuts have a great program though. It was a pleasure discussing Chairman's with them on their weekly conference calls.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

2486 won EI instead in 2010 in Arizona that year.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

You hit the nail on the Head. One of these teams will probably win this year.
There are a few HOF teams that have put a friendly wager on who wins this year. :)

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

Are we able to know which teams were wagered on? ;)

As for my vote, I would go for 33. They have an amazing program, it has been good for a while, and their robot is always spot on (The robot helps attest for team sustainability, outreach for sponsorship, good team organization, etc. This isn't the only reason! Just a small addition). Being in Michigan, I am able to see their outreach and their team work in action (they are only 20 min away from my hometown).

For a non-MI team, I would pick 1218. Since 2012, they have been picking up speed in community outreach and FIRST's mission. Granted I don't know much about them or any non-Michigan team, they have been the team I have heard the most about.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I only know Michigan teams really well, but from what I can tell there isn't any single obvious choice like there has been in the past. It's a competition between many qualified teams. Of the Michigan teams, if one of them wins, there isn't much doubt in my mind that it'd be Team RUSH 27, and that isn't intended as a slight to the other four eligible teams.

RUSH has a long history of great outreach (which I have personally experienced, way back in 2009). They have the right attitude as a team, walking the walk without talking too much talk. They build strong and inspiring robots, particularly this year (before you tell me this isn't important, look at the past several winners). Finally, they've really stepped up this year with their advocacy conference, which is the type of broad national action that FIRST seems to like.

All that said, there seems to be a large number of true contenders, and I don't think there's any favourite or that any region is "due" anything. Will be exciting to see which team is enshrined this year.

Re: Chairman's Predictions
 

I would have to say 2486 for this year. They have a really rounded program, and have been consistent over the past 6 years, only missing a RCA in '10.