2005 West Michigan
 

I know it's a couple of weeks away but I thought I'd post a message about West Michigan.

It's been two years since 862 has been to West Michigan. Since then the regional has moved to GVSU in Allendale. Just wanted to hear from someone who went last year, how was the new venue?

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

I liked it... it's so much better than the old venue (the Grand Center). At least this way, noone will be forced to put their pit table on a sloping floor... some teams had to do that the first year of the event (2001). One major downside is a lack of hotels and restaurants in the surrouding area. So, we gained some things and lost others, but I think it was a positive switch.

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

I never went to the old venue because I wasn't on 66 when it was, so I can't compare the 2 but I can say it is a very relaxed area to compete in. Fewer teams and a smaller crowd than GLR, it is really fun.

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

Definitely less crowed than the Grand Center was. It's also easier to access than GR. I will admit that parking was somewhat lousy in respect to tailgating, but then again, we weren't expecting the Judges to come around the pits during lunch, which caught me off gaurd. But all in all, GVSU is a better venue than the Grand Center.

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

Very nice event. I'm finding it to be a very tuff event as far as competition goes now compared to the past years at Western. This years event looks no different. I see at least 15-20 really good robots. For some reason this is the one regional our team can't seem to win, runner-up once or twice. With this years bot I think we have our best chance in a few years. Should be a blast. :ahh:

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

may the best bot win. :)

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

Hello WMR teams

I just want to welcome you to our back yard! Team 85 and Zeeland are just 10 miles from GVSU.

During competition we would like to offer you whatever we can to help your team be a success. We have the knowledge to help you find supplies fast. We can help you with hotel location and directions. We can help you with computer access and some printing.

If you need some spare parts or raw material, we may just have them back at the shop (we have 10 years of stuff here :) )

Please feel free to stop by our pit and ask any member of our team or you can call my cell phone (616) 560-4356

Can't wait to see you. Drive safe.

Steve Yasick

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

Matt (Fultz) and I wil be there as Field Reset crew.

I am looking forward to some exciting action and seeing some teams compete that I haven't seen so far this season.

See everyone on Friday Morning.

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

It takes most of the Holland Teams 30 to 45 minutes to get to the regional... but it's our home... and Team 141 is ready to defend our title as the West Michigan Champs! Good luck to all!

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

one day and counting... good luck teams!!!!

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

After one day of practice and one day of qualifing here are a few of my thoughts.First i am surprised by the level of competion of some of the rookie teams they are doing a great job .Second I am shocked how some very great vet teams are having a hard time winning even with there great robots.The event seems to running quickly and well organized . Good luck tommorow to everyone .What are your thoughts?


Jim Schaddelee
Team 107 Holland Christian /Metal flow

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

Yes, our alliances had some bad alliance luck and a couple of our alliance penalties have been a robot hitting in the loading zone. Our team never caused it but I beg you teams if you're reading this now... let's try to go Saturday with no penalties at all! I make that a challenge to all teams... will anyone take me up on the challenge?

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

I noticed that team 67 is way down near the bottom of the standings after Friday. Can someone please explain this, as they seemed to have yet another top-notch robot at previous regionals? Did their robot break or did they have really bad luck in alliance pairing? This also applies to team 245 (who have already won two regionals) who I believe are ranked 28th after Friday's rounds. What is going on in West Michigan?

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

For the fifth time, the West Michigan regional is shaping up to be one of the best run and most competitive regionals of the year.

Competition here seems definitely up a notch from what we saw at GLR. I've been fairly busy, but it does seem like veterans and rookies alike are busy in the pits. For us, it's been some wiring and mechanical issues which have been repaired and improved. Our arm operator did a great job of using the backup jog controls on at least one match today. We're ready for tomorrow.

As for 245, they've had some bad alliance breaks, and I believe they had to do some repairs, but they were feeling quite confident late this afternoon. (They are our neighbors in the pits).

I thought the rookies at GLR were amazing, but the rookies here are even more impressivel. I'm basing this more on what I see in the pits than the few matches I've seen. It was a fantastic awards showing for the Holland/Zelland area teams. One award apiece for all five area teams!

The program works, chairman's award presentation is done, the pit is set up, our wires shouldn't get stretched anymore, so I'm hoping to have more time to watch and visit with friends today.

Re: 2005 West Michigan
 

67 has had a bit of slightly incompatible alliance luck. They have started winning again though, I expect to see them dominate today.