Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

229 likes the thunderchickens...

Thanks guys for being great pit partners. We definitely enjoyed the experience of being so close to the chicken-coop.

In honor of our new friendship, I figured I'd share this website:

http://www.subservientchicken.com

Try it... you might like it.

(I think that's Paul in the suit, but I'm not sure ;))

JVN

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I LOVE THUNDER CHICKENS! I got my first other team shirt from them this past Champs. You guys rock.

My Picture of me in my shirt:

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I'm avoiding bathing in an attempt to keep my ThunderChickens tattoo fresh for as long as possible.... eeeewwww, stinky chicken!


just kidding, btw... but I do have a thing for guys with feathers

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I think the thread would be shorter if you asked "Who doesn't like the Thunder Chickens?" Actully, I don't think the thread would even exist. The Thunder Chickens are an amazing team. Having breakfast for whoever wants it at MULPIPLE competitions, making a special autonomus program just for Team 93, making that little news paper at their competitions (FOUR at the Championship). The Thunderchickes are really a team to be looked up to by all FIRSTers.

I bow down to them!

Congrats on a sucessfull season, and Thank You for picking us in the eliminations at Midwest.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I would be a ThunderChicken, had I graduated a few years later than I did ('98).

Go HFII Falcons!

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I think the Thunderchickens are wicked Copioli!!! :D

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Definatly Like the thunder chickens, although Copioli did prove his team name, when it came time to join the bear hug list ;)

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I just love the Thunderchickens. I first met Eric Gargus on the team when they were still "Team McComb" (ooooh, what an impressive name!). Then, Eric introduced me to that crazy Italian and it was all downhill from there.

Did you all know that the Copioli brothers are REALLY bad at darts? V-Neun and I totally out-darted them one night in Atlanta. I guess that it's hard to throw a dart when you are a chicken. :)

Andy B.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Like my teamate said before, you guys picked us, how coudl we not love you??? Being an animator in the past, I have always loved your animations, and this year was no exception.

I think the most rememberable moment for the 2004 year with 217 had to be at MR. "Ummmm, I don't think so (pause) graciouslly". Yes their was a reason behind why that happened, but it was just funny overall.

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a special thanks to mike copioli for helping 234 save valuable time in figuring out that all we needed to do is replace a victor and not a drill motor (granted we still needed to later in the day Friday). of course...when he figured it out the manufacturing engineer, aeronautical engineer, and two future Mechanical engineers looked at him and said "you mean the little fan thingy?"

"Am I smoking crack or something?"

Thanks again mike.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

HA HA.. Type in "Cartwheel".. lol

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

try "destroy TV"..not the desired results, but entertaining just the same....

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

They got worse, we got better.

I guess you just can't compete with pure talent like ours.
Better luck next year boys. :p

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What's not to like?!? Green shirts, scary chicken pictures, and some really fun people. They're like family now.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I LOVE THE THUNDERCHICKENS!
How could anyone not?
They are great people,
They have a great name,
A sweet animation,
Cool shirts,
Awsome robot,
and They picked us at Midwest.
Thunderchickens RULE!

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Those chickens are great, uh, people. They (Paul, Mike, and one of the student programmers) gave me significant help this year when I was trying to understand Generate_pwms(). Thanks guys.

On the way back from Motorola Midwest Regional, our student bus stopped for the team to eat dinner. The Thunderchickens pulled in behind them. It was then that our team learned why the chickens crossed the road - they were going to Burger King.

Ken

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

The thunderchickens are awesome. We were fortunate to have them on our alliance in Newton this year. It was cool cheering with you guys and Paul, it was cool hanging out with you during alliance selection.

You guys are awesome!

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I like the ThunderChickens plenty...from the mascots, to the rubber chicken keychains, to the green hair and the silly cheering. the ThunderChickens are a great team, friendly and inspiring. I look forward to seeing more teams like them and seeing them again in the future.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Who wouldn't like the Thunderchickens???

I know that I do..

First of all, they give COOL team trading stuff in the pits (eggs, tatoos, etc..), including Shirts (you have to win them though)(I hope they are there at IRI this summer, so I can buy one)

Second of all, they know their robots, help us out in the pits, and have great team spirit and gracious professionalsim

Thirdly, they are all colored green at the competitions. Their hair and face are painted/dyed a bright green. That is cool.

THUNDERCHICKENS ROCK!!!!!

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

First off, thanks for all the kind words. Anyone who knows us knows we try to keep it fun, but also really like to play well with robots. I am just happy that we can make a little bit of difference in all of your lives.

Jessica,

Nice way to take the subject of one thread and roll it into another. Bonus points for anyone (except Jess) that can tell me what "Copioli" means in that sentance.

Now for you deviants (Big Mike & Andy in particular):

Big Mike, Maybe you should be a little better at giving bearhugs. A 185 pound guy like me should be no match for you, but I gave you just the slightest resistance and you couldn't get it done. I tried to make you work for the bearhug, and you just caved like a little Mike. It's not your fault, though, your used to giving bearhugs to wimps like Baker. Maybe you can get me at IRI (doubt it) ....

Baker,

Why don't you tell the truth? Who won the first game by a landslide?? The Copioli Brothers! Who felt bad for you and John V. and let you win the second game??? As I recall, it is all tied up 1 -1 and you just got yourself a game 3. Seriously, John V. is a horrible dart player (sorry John) and you are pretty darn good. The first game it was like it was 2 v. 1. The second game was more like 1 1/2 v. 1 1/2. Now you have opened your mouth and the challenges have begun.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Oh yeah, I forgot one thing:

I feel I need to explain the whole "Ummmm ...I don't think so ... graciously" incident. We slid up to the number 8 seed on Saturday at the MidWest regional and were not at all prepared (we usually are very prepared). We had about 8 teams on our list of who we wanted as partners (both 93 and 107 were on that list) and being number 8 meant we really needed about 16. Knowing both our picks would probably be gone by the time it got to us I told our student representative (who is also our lead animator) to accept if anyone picked us. Well, the team seeded just ahead of us picked us, but 93 and 107 were still available so I tried to get a last minute signal out to decline.

This confused our student rep and he was unsure if he should decline. That is where the "Ummm .... I don't think so????" came from. He got horribly booed so, thinking quick on his feet, he stepped in and said, "graciously" everyone laughed; but I felt horrible. Anyway, we ended up getting both 93 and 107; but karma(sp?) got the best of us and our arm broke just prior to starting the elims (darn potentiometers). 93 and 107 almost pulled it off. Your teams are amazing. Anyway, I thought I would share that story with all of you.

-Paul

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Hmm... that is right, we are tied. I do agree with your assesment of the dart neophyte V-Neun. He throws darts like he is shoving a shot put. Who shoots a dart from their neck? Once he closed his eyes, he got better. I knew that we were in trouble when he said "what is cricket?" Amazingly, he got better as we went through the rounds. Maybe he was trying to impress the chicks... or in this case, the Thunderchickens.

If John can make it to IRI, that is where the rematch will happen.

Andy B.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

The Thunderchickens were the best pit partners i've experienced in 5 years of FIRST, they were the most helpful and upbeat team i saw at the championship, and i was thirlled when they made the finals. With another great team the Poofs, i had them as my favorite for the division, tough loss guys, best of luck at IRI and in the future.


Chris C
College Mentor/Pit head on 229

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I go to school with a ThunderChicken...Bit unforunate, as he'd be on 818 if he hadn't begun his FIRST career with 217. We'd love to have him, but he's not going to switch teams now...

I've never had problems with 217, and they're a lot of fun to be around. Yeah...I like the ThunderChickens.

I'm a bit surprised that neither of the Swandos have appeared in this thread yet...

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Betrayed by my own partner... :(
That's it....
I'm breaking out our dartboard TONIGHT.
Who needs to study for finals? There is honor at stake.

I learn fast,
By IRI, I'll be more than a match for you old guys.


(It's allright Andy... make fun of my dart game all you want... we still kicked your butt at Pool in NH. To bad you dragged your dad down with you.)

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I think the ThunderChickens are a great team. They are very nice, and have a wicked sweet mascot! :D

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Welllllllllll I remember many years ago when the conversation came up at a parent teachers conference ( for Brandon - at Utica Ford II ). They started at the Chief Delphi Invitational, got infected by FIRST and look at them now.

What a great team, from A great school - Utica Ford is one of the best High Schools in the Nation. Did I mention both of my boys graduated from there:).

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Yep. We are one of the many teams that got into FIRST because of Chief Delphi. Specifically, the CDI competition. We are here because of CD. We are much more than just Henry Ford II HIgh. We have students from 7 high schools in Macomb county.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

yeah really who doesn't like this team??? if u don't u sort of have problems then--- but a lot of teams are cool and well i know S.P.A.M. luvs a lot of teams and the Thunderchickens are just one of many :)

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

The thunderchickens rock! I got a t-shirt from them (thanks to my girlfriend). Playing cards. And the chance to take a picture with them too! Here!

They were awesome people. (I also got that Metal-In-Motion shirt while I was there. MiM rocks.)
Nats was awesome I wish I coulda stayed longer.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Thunderchickens have a great team - awesome robot, great animation, cool looking shirts :) I'd love to have a Thunderchickens shirt... I'd be willing to trade one of my cyber blue shirts for one of them if any of you thunderchickens are willing :]

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Hello...

I need one order of Thunderchicken, extra crispy.
Yes, I would like fries with that.

OK... go ahead and super-size it.

What, only $2.17!? Sweet.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

The best (funniest) part of the story was added by our Captain on the field. The 217 student could not see Paul, so one of the "fully dressed" chickens stood up and frantically shook his head back and forth to signal "No". Most of us could not see it in person, but the replay is hilarious!!!!!

I think the whole event will be remembered as a funny moment, not a negative GP moment!

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

LoL Gotta love them chickens, I used their those little rubber chickens they were giving out to reset our soleniods on our suspension after each match on friday and saturday of nats.

Most handy tool I think they've invented since the screw driver.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

What kind of sauce would you like with that sir?

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Hey, give me a break! I had 8 hours of class today! :P

Ryan, I'll trade with you if you go to IRI or the Kettering Kickoff. I'd love a Cyber Blue shirt. :D


I'd just like to add that it's an honor and a privilage to have been on team 217 since the beginning of time (1999). My FIRST experience has been a leading focus to my life, and the ThunderChickens have helped me through some tough times. I'd like to stand up and thank my awesome team, and shout, "I'm Proud to be Chicken! A THUNDERCHICKEN!!!"

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Woo hoo! I love my homepeeps (what what Sterling Heights!). I go to private school so I can't be with them but they ROCK man!

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Oh young Lisa ... We don't care if you go to private school, we don't care if you are home schooled .. If you live in Macomb County, especially Sterling Heights, you are more than welcome to be a Chicken. But your a Juggy and that's cool, too.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

The Thunderchickens are awesome. Really great animation, btw.

Besides, if I said anything bad about you guys, Chelsea would kill me. ^_~'

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Thunderchickens are a great team with alot of imagination and a great spirit. A very fun team. I hope to see more of them.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

A Thunderchicken laid an egg in an elevator in my hotel! My roommate and I were trying to go down, but the one that opened was going up. There was a thunderchicken in it. We vocally contemplated whether we should go up or not. It was decided that it was going to come back down anyway, so we waved goodbye to the thunderchicken and let it go up. The same elevator came back down empty. We went inside and my rm said, "*Gasp!* Becca! The thunderchicken laid an egg!" And by God, he did. There was a pack of thunderchicken cards sitting on the short, thin edge of the box, sitting up perfectly in the middle of the floor of the elevator.

Conclusion: Thunderchickens rock!

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I love the thunder chicken jokes, our team needs to do that next year.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Couldn't agree more. I thought the Thunderchickens conveyed FIRST's message in the most entertaining way of all the animations I saw.

And I will always cherish their button that the 'Chickens gave me in Houston last year.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

oh come on guys, that was TOTALLY planned.
(for anyone not at midwest, theres an audio clip at http://www.swando.net/alliances.wmv)
but yes, other than the fact that i will never be allowed back on the field again, honestly, i was confused. and apparently i made paul feel horrible, and messed up our karma, but paul, if you recall, last year i do remember a particular phil replying to alliance pickings with "yea. cluck." sure, its not as bad, but you get the distinct feeling that you need to lighten up those match-picking ceremonies sometimes. very tense time, gotta keep the crowd in it.

yea, thats definately what i was going for.

sorry paul.

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eek, and on behalf of myself and the limited thunderchickens animation team, thank you to everyone supportive of our animation, it was a lot of fun, and we accomplished exactly what we set out to do.
thankyouthankyou.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Yeah, we were the team you declined, but it's really not that big of a deal. We took it "graciously" ;) .

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i said sorry, but he took the mic away.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I Love the Thunder chickens ,and this is why. The people on there team, Paul, Bill, Mike .........., there robot are always something I enjoy and study every year .The shirts are cool too, but the main reason goes back to the people that make up that team from students and engineers to bill that works making parts for every other team .We had the pleasure of playing with them at the Midwest regional and at that regional it is hard to win. And after the disappointment went away I realized although I knew of the Thunder chickens I didn’t truly know them. From their students who cheered for our team when we were not even playing with them ,to Bill who is always fun to talk to and Paul who has more enthusiasm than most people know. I feel like a winner because after that weekend I consider them not just our partners, I consider them as friends .

Also if Paul reads this I hope to see you and the thunder chickens at the IRI along with the” annexation of Puerto rico “ I think if anyone can do it, you will.

Your friend
Jim Schaddelee
Team 107

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Cool shirts and an awesome animation! The Thunderchickens are an awesome team :)

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one word .......... WOW:-?

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I traded my MOE shirt for a Thunder Chicken's shirt on Saturday because I love the logo and the color (its pretty close to MOE green :D ). I was wearing the Thunder Chicken shirt around the Omni when I walked past Paul Copioli. He was staring at me rather oddly like he was trying to recognize me. I guess with my permanent green hair and shirt I looked like a Thunder Chicken that he couldn't recognize :) . So I told him that I just traded for the shirt.

Yeah Chickens!!!!
 

The ThunderChickens are a positive model for other teams through and through. GP students, teachers, and engineers. Mascot and swag make them stand out, but the depth and compassion that the team has truly differentiates them (not to say that other teams don't, but they are a good example). I wanted to share a story about the ThunderChickens at Nationals. When the ThunderChickens heard of how limited a budget we were operating off of and the fact that we could not get into the team party because we pulled out of the FIRST package and made our own arrangements in order to afford taking more students down they set out to do something about it. Starting within the Chickens they took up a collection of the meal coupons that they did not use and wrist bands to the team party from mentors that were not going. Furthermore, led by the students, Kristen in particular, they went around team to team and asked for any additional wrist bands. As a result, all of the students on Team 395 were able to attend the wrap celebration. To the Chickens and all of the teams who donated wrist bands I cannot thank you enough for how much that meant to my students. This is just one of the many examples of the TCs helping out, technical assistance was given to more teams than I can count.
They have a phenomenal crew of engineers. Paul, Jim, Bob, Bill, Rick, Ed have taught me almost everything I know. Behind the scenes, others should be acknowledged too and I encourage you to seek out these people and talk to them the next time you see the TCs, Jen (Mrs. C) is in charge of the accounting for the team, Lisa (Jim's wife) heads marketing and Chairman's and is largely responsible for the teams FLL push. Best possible thing to do with a robot widow, convert them to a Botophile :D Although the TCs stem from many different schools, all of their teachers come from the Utica Math Science Technology Center (MST) and form the backbone of the team. Anita, Deb, Mike, and Mr. Arscheene are there for the students and lead by example of what they expect of the Chickens. Not to mention keep rowdy students like me in line
To all of the ThunderChickens, I thank you. I've learned so much from you. You've been my personal inspiration and motivation for continuing to be involved in FIRST as well as expand our efforts in the NY front. You've touched the lives of so many and I hope you will always continue doing so. Regardless of which one of the numerous shirts I wear out here, I will always be a ThunderChicken at heart.

Paul, shame buddy that we didn't go further in Elims. I thought we had a pretty bloody awesome alliance. We'll get back at 'em some other time. Meanwhile I hope you're brushing up on your poker skills before IRI, Baker's got bragging rights until then.

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While my oldest daughter was a bit freaked out by the students in the chicken suits handing out cool things for kids her age (3 years at the time) at MWR last year, I think the T-Chickens are AWESOME!! She still, to this day, asks about the "boys in the chicken costumes"! I can't wait to get her and the rest of my family back in the swing of competitions!

It was great to be neighbors at MWR this year and we really, really appreciate you picking us for the elims! That was one of the best moments of the competition for us - like Tyler said - "Ummmm, I don't think so......GRACIOUSLY!" Who knew you would decline being picked just to pick us?! You guys rock!!

Paul - it was great to get to meet a fellow WFA finalist! I knew I was in VERY good company after we talked!

Thunderchickens rule!!

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Wow, this makes me proud to be a ThunderChicken. I already can't wait for the next season, and all the off season competitions coming up. :D

Heres a wicked fun picture of Paul:

If only he could be that relaxed when I'm driving :p

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

JB,
somethings will never change, paul's antics on the field yea good example, but that's part of his style and what makes him a good coach. if you can stay calm with paul doing his thing you can do bloody anything on the field. you're an awesome arm operator, I was glad I got to work with you. Keep it up.
-wayne

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I'm curious...did you get the joke on the last newsletter about crossing a chicken and a turkey? That one was my fault :rolleyes:

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I LIKE THE THUNDERCHICKENS! :D They're just an awesome team who always builds great robots, and really into everything. Can't think of anything they could do better.. :) and that MMR incident was priceless.

Ellen

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I agree whole heartedly that the ThunderChickens are an awesome bunch, Just as John V-neun mentioned earlier they were great pit neighbors, awesome students, and knowlegable mentors!

Hope to be neighbors again in the future!

Ellery

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I must say that the TunderChickens are quite awesome. Never do they show a loss of sprit. The entire team makes everyone that passes by feel more than welcomed. Also, their robots are great, animations are great, shirts are great....need I say anymore.

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

i like the thunderchickens.

their robot was good, their autonomous mode was excellent, their animation was really cool, and the 3 people i talked to were very friendly. good givaway items too :)

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

I've got the cutest picture of you, Emma and the Chickens from Midwest one year ... I'll see if I can dig it up somewhere. For now, this picture was taken after Papa Schuff rescued her from those scary chickens in 2002. ;)

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Hey everybody!

Thanks for the kind remarks. i feel even more honored to be a chicken now

This was my first season on the team, and boy oh boy how i didnt know what big shoes i was stepping into! This team's reputation is a lot larger than what i ever thought, but i cant say i'm at all surprised when we have a team with wonderful students, teachers and mentors

All of you that remarked on the pits probably remember me; the big guy with long hair and a beard - and you probably didnt realize i was a rooky student ;)

I hope to see you all next year and all during off-season

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

i like the thunderchickens...

Re: Who likes the Thunderchickens?
 

Thunder Chickens ROCK! Great mascot costumes, great handouts, and all-around fun people!

They were kind enough to let me have my photo taken with them, too!



I do have a suggestion, though... and it's not that I didn't like the handouts. I definitely did! Those playing cards ROCK! ...though I must admit it was a bit weird getting dead, plucked, and shackled chicken keychains, but I digress. ;-)

My suggestion is this. Hand out Kinder Surprise eggs!