Re: # of times you've gone to championships?
 

Last year was my first year there. There is an interesting story behind it, but it may be long-winded, I'll just have to see when I'm done typing. Feel free to skip it :)

Last year, we prequalified for the championships on the tier system, but we would have qualified using the points system as well (One EI award, one sportsmanship award, and one regional finalist). I was stoked to go since when we registered. It was to be the pinnacle in my then-short FIRST carreer.

During the season I got very sick, but I did not know it yet. When our team traveled to Phoenix, my health went downhill, and I started a slide that made me lose about 30 pounds between then and Championships (5 weeks!). I went into restrictive dieting, which in turn lessened my appetite, which led to more weight loss.

At this point, it was looking very dismal for me to be going to Atlanta. I wanted to go, but it seemed like my body didn't. I talked with a new doctor the weekend of the SoCal regional, and some of my restrictive dieting was lifted. So now I could eat, but of course my travel was a question.

I eventually made a decision (originally against the will of my family) to go to championships. Why should I lose the opportunity of a lifetime just because my body wasn't cooperating? My family eventually supported the decision, so I ended up going.

Now Championships was on my birthday, so I was a bit depressed about not being able to have a cake or anything for the first time in my life. However, as soon as I got to championships, the depression was lifted. I was inspired by all of the people there. I didn't really have the courage to speak up at the webhug, but I was still thrilled to be in the prescence of such FIRSTers as Andy Baker, Bill Beatty, and many, many more.

So it turned out that going to championships went off without a hitch. Despite not having an ideal birthday, the regret of not talking to anybody at the webhug, or our team coming in last in our division, I still came home knowing that I was happier than when I left.

The moral of the story: going to championships can change your life! I only hope that next year, everyone can have the same experience as I had!

Wow, that did turn out long winded. To everyone who read to this point (or even skimmed), thank you.

-Daniel

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

I've been to Houston in 2003...My team won the Nj regional Engineering Inspiration Award this year so we can go to the national...I hope I can be there

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

I've only been once...but hopefully 3+ more years for me!

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

I think if I remember correctly, I've been to five. I went all four years in high school, and once or twice before that when my brother was competing. I'm not sure though. I'd have to check my records. Lol.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

1126 has gone in every year of existence. in 2003 we won buckeye and qualified. in 2004 we won buckeye and qualified also won newton. this year we placed our selves on the list when they opened it up.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

461 has gone several years...not sure of the exact number. I have never gone and will be unable to go this year.
ERic

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

We have gone twice, we went our first year and we also went last year. This year we are attending national though.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

Team 1388 has gone every year since we began competing. So what if it was only last year. We will also be going again this year, though this will be my first time going.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

This is The Miracle Workerz 6th trip to "Play With The Big Dogs" and my 4th, I was not on the team their rookie year in 2000 [EPCOT], and I was unable to raise enough funds / convince my parents to let me go with the team to Houston during mid-terms my first year of college. [2003] I tried to volunteer last year, and I registered to Queue at Nationals this year but I haven't heard anything yet.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

The X-Cats have gone to every championship event since the beginning (though I don't know if it was known as the "Championship event" back in '92).
I've been to the championship for all 4 years I've been on the team.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

This year will be 612's first trip, and my first trip as well. We are really excited about it.

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

1089 has never been, but we are attending this year for the first time... SOOOO EXCITED!! =D

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

This will be Team Roboto's ( 447 ) 6th trip to nationals. It will be my 5th trip to the big dance ... and its just as good as the first time. :D

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

Not sure how many times 237's been there, but it'll be my first time this year. Gonna be sooo much fun :D

Re: # of times you've gone to Nationals?
 

Team 1006 went to Atlanta last year and after winning the Chairman's Award at Waterloo this year, we will hopefully be going again!

2 years ago, we qualified for Houston and were planning on going, but our school board wouldn't let us travel to the U.S. for fear of a terrorist attack!