Role Model Teams
 

When it comes to how our team runs, Team 1114 has always looked to the teams we consider role models. These teams include 254, who inspired our collaborations, 67, who we consider the role model GM team, 71 & 111. It has been our goal since the outset to achieve the same levels of consistency, success, impact and reputation as these fine teams. It is no coincidence that these 4 teams have been the most successful teams over the past 8 years. More than their trophies, these teams have inspired us.

My question to all of you is, which teams do you consider role models, and why do you look up to these teams. Use this thread as an opportunity to thank the teams who have inspired you.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Well every team that exist in the FIRST HOF is a good starting point.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I agree

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I'd like to give a shout out to the teams who think that they are great but nobody else even remembers their number. The teams who can say "I know we are a great team even without everyone else saying so."

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Although there are many teams in FIRST who are successful and have won a plethora of awards, they might not always be the teams that I look up to as role models. Sure, I may love their transmissions or drivetrains, but IMHO, a role model team does not have to be a winning one (although it could be).

A role model team has the "spirit of FIRST" run in not only its veins, but also those of every member. A role model team inspires its students to work hard and aim to win. This team may not win much, but that fact only compels its students, mentors, and engineers to try harder next time. A role model team contributes something back to FIRST, whether it creates FLL teams, mentors FVC teams, shares its resources with other FRC teams, or actively promotes FIRST in their community. A role model team is always the first one to offer advice and assistance to another team in need.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

There are many teams we admire such as 103, 236, 357, among others.

But one team that 341 has looked up to since we were rookies is Team 272 (Lansdale Catholic HS) the Cyber Crusaders. They are one of the best programs in FIRST and they teach their kids so well. This team truly has GP in the heat of competition.

Although they have been Regional Winners, Chairmans Winners and Woody Flowers Winners, they are not "Famous", their members do not spend much time on Delphi nor do they travel very far from home. But they were the first team to offer us help, to teach us how to fight through our problems and to show us what FIRST is all about.

This team wins consistently year after year in the place where it counts. In the hearts of their student crew. GO LC!!!

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Well, I can say pretty confidently that 1504's main role model teams are definately the ones the helped us start up.

Gail Alpert and Las Guerrillas helped us out big time, with Gail coming through with help in sponsorship terms and Las Guerrillas bringing up their practice robot for the kids at Okemos to drive around originally. They also sent along promotional DVD's for the past 2 years to help us get new students and parents involved. Between their outreach efforts and their amazing records on the field, they are definately a team that we admire.

The HOT team also helped us out wherever we needed it starting up. They brought their machine up on the same day that 469 did, and also made all of our buttons for us our rookie year, among many other things. They are a Chairman's Award winning team as well as a team with fantastic on-field performance.

Team 33 taught us a lot, especially through the work and example of mentor Jim Zondag. Both my students and myself learned a lot about what we should try to do from him when at our regional our rookie year, he stayed until they threatened to turn the lights out, helping us make our robot workable. The Killer Bees are also a "killer" team on the field that we would like to be like.

So pretty much, all of these teams we (or at least I) look up to for the same 2 reasons: performance on the field, and, more importantly, actions off the field. If we can be like one of these teams someday, I'll be a darn proud Beth

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Although they were already mentioned under the "HOF" post, but I know Buzz has done a lot of small things during 1071's first two seasons and are a team that atleast us students and alumni wanted to model the team after.. Also 228 (altho 1071 was part of 228 prior to 2003) was critical to us when we first formed the team..

But everybody has a role model team and I think the teams that continue to stay in first year after year find that it's their responsibility to help mentor and be a model to new teams.

For example 1071 just donated their newly re-built 2004 robot to a pre-rookie on Thursday.. Hopefully in 3-4 years that pre-rookie will be a regional winning team and be a role model to another team and donate their robot and equiptment to another start-up team and keep the cycle going.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Titan Robotics -- Team 492. Gracious friends, generous helpers, and steady promoters of FIRST in Washington. Their Chairman's Award at Portland this year was richly deserved -- even in a year where their robot didn't work as well as their magically-smooth (and very successful) 2005 robot. While TRC stands out around here, the Washington teams are all mutually supportive. We have our own email list and conduct a shared kickoff in January, where we all get together and wargame the new challenge. While 492 stands out, I also consider teams like 488, 1318, 360, 949, and 3-4 I'm forgetting right now to be good friends of ours. Despite the lack of big-budget sponsors in this region (oh, to have the financial support a lot of teams in other areas get) we have a growing FIRST community that cooperates off the field and has spirited competition on it.

If we could just get the PNW regional in Bellevue or Seattle every other year...

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I've looked up to 330, 60, 980, and 987 as elite programs around our area that build great robots every year and know how to fundraise and build an effective program. I've always looked up to 64 (now 39 and 1013) as a great example of team spirit and how to make the FIRST competition so fun, plus they did help start our team.

But when I think about it, I've been most inspired by teams 80 (no longer in existence) and 696, because they've managed to do good and have fun while not winning very many awards and not being certain what will happen year to year about actually having a club. And really I get inspired by these type of teams every year, but these ones hit me hardest as I spent a good deal of time around them at the AZ Regional in my very first year in FIRST and were part of what made FIRST so exciting for me.

I hope someday we can help bring back team 80 as they're really right in our backyard (a 15 minute drive from us or so).

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I'm surprised 45 has gone unmentioned - they are role models for community involvement. Everybody I know from their area has a very positive image of the team, and has recieved some positive impact for their efforts.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

For a role model team, I would have to say either 341 or 103. I would like to know how these teams with such large members recruit this much and fundraise so much money every year for FIRST. So I have to say

GO Miss Daisy!

Re: Role Model Teams
 

As a proud member of the South, I've got to mention 343 and 180.

343 was a big supporter of the creation of the Palmetto Regional (and a certain team I'm particularly fond of), they've always got an amazing robot that they know like the backs of their hands (Did you know that Cyclone liked the balls that weren't as squishy? I didn't until our match with them on Saturday morning.), and they're always willing to help, even rookies who don't exactly know what they're in need of. (I've been there.)

S.P.A.M. is another legendary team in my book; I've been fans of them ever since I first crossed paths with them. They also crank out world-class robots, and are always great about offering help at competitions. Their team spirit goes without saying--or is it goes without yelling?--you can definitely hear them coming a block away. And their alumni go on to great things as well--you can find them on 1369, 1902 (another rising star), and probably a half-dozen other teams I just haven't heard about yet.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

My Role Model Teams

395
341
103
284
520
191
25

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I agree with Ed, every team is a role model team.
But when we are working on our robot we basically have a saying, even though we don't come out with it, wwbd?...what would beatty do?
And I personally, for everything else, I would have to say that teams like 1188, 111, 229(who's shirt I am wearing right now haha), 33, 121, 45...teams like that are teams to look up to.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Any team that participates in FIRST helps make FIRST so much fun, the very fact that you are part of FIRST means that you are making a better world for the future, as Dean once said one of us will find a cure for cancer or bring an end to world hunger, Teams bring all of us together, Therefore every team is my role model.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I think in life it is wise to have more than one mentor or role model. No one human being or organization does everything perfectly. They all have strengths and weaknesses.
I know when I worked in industry I had multiple people that I admired and learned from, through example. Simply put; In my life I have had many "Fathers".
I think the same thing applies to FIRST. Every team has something to offer or model from.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

This is true, not just one team or person is perfect. You can admire them for their good qualities, and learn from some of there bad ones. Some teams are good to learn from for their technical skills with their robots. Others are good to learn from what they do to recruit, how their team is organized, and how spirited they are as a group.

I have learned that you might have a team as a role model one year and another the next, this also applies to people that are role models. They keep changing, and you might have to change who you have as a role model in order to achieve what you want. If you want to get the Imagery award, I suggest looking at the Killer Bees 33. If you want an Innovation in Control award, look at HOT Bot 67. These are teams that are good to learn from, and not just in one area, but in every area. Don't just look at teams that are in the spotlight each and every year, but try looking at teams that are under the radar. Because every team has something to contribute.

Finally I want to say, that everyone is a role model, like it or not. You might just be a second year team, but some rookies will look at what you did the year before. I might even be a role model and not even know it, at least until some one says that I am.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I generally don't like to have "role model" teams, generally because I find that no team fully represents FIRST. There will be bad eggs and bad times, there will be problems. While I do enjoy what many teams have done, I hardly look up to them. As much as I love 45, I don't want to branch off and start a company with things 384 has created in the past, nor do I want to do what they do. We have our own goals and ideals, our own quirks and problems. Teams are too big to be role models, but I think some individuals can certainly be.

*this post wasn't ment to single out and cause problems with 45*

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Role model teams include all the teams in the FIRST hall of fame as well as many others. 45, 121, 233, 217, 469, 234 Those are just a few I mean there are a lot out there. Pretty much all the veterans teams are awesome and willing to help, they really do a good job promoting and making FIRST what it is today.

-Drew

Re: Role Model Teams
 

For me personally, three teams come immediately to mind: 175, 393, and 395.

Buzz has such a great history and they're so much fun to compete with. Their mentors and students were some of the easiest people to work with that I got to meet. They were the ones who suggested our alliance call our timeout for the other alliance, and they're always willing to help other teams out. Getting to play with them again in Atlanta was one of the highlights of the weekend.

The Full Metal Jackets kept our finals alliance drive teams at Pittsburgh from dying of boredom during the extremely long wait. They kept us all upbeat and never gave up, even when we had the worst luck ever. I loved their perseverance and great attitude.

2Train is an amazing team; they're such a great example of GP and everything a team should be. I loved getting to play with them in both Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

awww steph...nick and i are crying over here :) ;)

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Those are my favorite teams...
Doing their thing...
That's what I want to be like...

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I admire several teams for many different reasons.

I like Wildstang for the way they continuly build really cool robots year after year. They always have a very interesting design that does very well. They also inspire their students to go on in the future.

I like The Thunderchickens for the way they build a great program with a ton of students. They are a large team and make some strong machines. I am glad that they won this year.

The Killer Bees and Pink are respected by me for a different reason. They are some of the most reconizable teams in the world. They build innovative machines that win and win and win. They have been partnered together several times and it makes sense. They are very similar teams.

Beatty, The Cheesy Poofs and The Las Guerillas make this list for yet another different reason. If you are looking for a recipe for success (Sorry HOT) look at these three. Not only have they built some of the best robots of all time, they are also all winners with a combined 23 regional wins and 5 national championships. They produce students ready to face the world and start other teams I.E. Beatty and the many teams from there. They all are Chairmans Award Winners in my book, 469 should be anyway.

These teams along with many others have inspired me in my many travels of FIRST.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

personally I look up to 180 seeing them compete cheer and just overall everything they are an amazing team :D

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Teams I look up to...
47: After reading your teams history on the official team site, i immediatley felt inspired to try and gain more recognition for our team and for FIRST in general and to spread FIRST in our community
71: I mean come on, is an explanation really neeeded...
180: Your ability to strategize is just plain ridiculous
341: Miss Daisy, you guys do so much to try and spread FIRST and have a strong community base, something we are trying very hard to expand upon, and you guys are constantly helping other teams.
510: Your level of spirit and sportsmanship from what I have seen is something we should all aspire to reach
538: Your 2004 robot was the first FIRST robot I had seen in action and actualyl got me hooked.
1139: From what I have heard, the 1st and only Georgia team to touch Einstein. The Gatorade bottle agitator is my hero.
1848: Your abillity to put together a robot with less than 10 meetings all year, after being spread apart all across Georgia and being put together 2 weeks into the build season is simply amazing (I promise it wont happen again this year lol)
2train: The hardships that you have faced and still face coupled with your abilities on the field and your exemplary GP, IMO, is unmatched.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Its hard to pick among so many great teams, but I have to go with 1511. They were (are) the model Rookie Team that all others should inspire to be.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I have to agree with those that suggest that no team is perfect, but I would add that there are some great things that if you take from each team, are true inspirations. I dont think I can make a full list... but for me here are some.

233 - Pink was a HUGE inspiration to our team at the Boston regional... many of our kids were ho-humming about spirit... they were excited, but kept saying that "no body else was cheering" on our team. So they teamed up with the Pink team, and learned the roller coaster and just how to have fun while cheering. They loved it so much that they went home and had a whole spirit day before championships, and tore down the Curie field with their new-found spirit!!

176 - My rock and my alma matter... I wrote them so many times as I started each 229 & 1511, asking how to do this or that, or just rambling off our issues or my excitement. From them we grabbed the awesome idea of a "Patron Book" that every year brings us more than 10k in sponsorship money, and at the same time, teaches kids to get out in the community & spread the word of FIRST. 176 the role model that we used to gain the idea of making more well rounded students, do community service, give back, do demos, help other teams, host events! To me, they were a great team even before they won championships.

191 & 340 - These teams are awesome role models for the Rochester community and have been big helps to 1511 in pulling Rochester together. They are also very consistant in their strong work with the students, and doing it all for the right reasons :)

Lastly 1551 - One of those teams that I doubt anyone outside rochester knows... Naples Robotics. Their team took 3 years to pull together the funding to make it to the regional in 2005!! They struggled yet again with funding this year, but pulled through... and even as their robots are often simple and bare, they learn... and now they have students thirsting for knowledge, wanting to know how to program the camera when they have no engineering mentors and no programmers! Yet they perservere.

So in summary, 233 for their spirit, 176 for its "team" & entrepreurship, 191 & 340 for their community, and 1551 for its perservence make up my ideal role model team :) :) :)

Re: Role Model Teams
 

1511, 340, and 191 have all really helped me out within the past year. All of them have offered advise and guiding us on the great journey know as FIRST. Working with them has been a great honor and has been fun.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Me too, Steph, we love you guys. For a second year team to have the kind of success 1629 had this year is definitely admirable in my book.

I admire every team, but especially those who, even when their robot is broken and their team is loosing, even when they haven't been selected to play the finals, even when they aren't winning the big awards (or any at all) still continue to have spirit, to cheer on their team and others, to be inspired, and to spread the word of first. It's easy to be spirited when you are winning, it's so much harder when you are loosing.

To point out one team in particular that hasn't been mentioned. The gracious professionalism showed by team 237 in Maryland was awe-inspiring. Team 237 helped multiple teams to get their robots in working order. Some teams had only a few team members on Thursday and 237 helped them to get their robots through inspection. On Thursday I passed one team's pit who had only a few team members there that day, and there were probably 8+ members of 237 in their pit helping them out. That is the spirit of FIRST to me. I don't know too much about how 237 runs because I haven't really had a chance to talk to anyone on their team (I should try to fix that) but for their actions in Maryland, I definitely admire them.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I would have to say my role model team would have to be the X-cats, there team spirit and representation is amazing and truly admirable. :)

Re: Role Model Teams
 

One thing that strikes me about FIRST is that every team has a different story (and style) and they are role models in their own way. As much as i would love to list the team numbers, they are just too many.
In fact of the goals of FIRST is to polish 'our' skills and make 'us' the role models; and its good to see that every other member on CD is one and part of a role model team :) . Great Job guys and keep it up.

~Imad

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I like to help out with the pit scouting, so I can speak to people on other teams and find out how they are doing things. Rookie teams often have the freshest ideas, so I nominate Rookies as my inspirations and role models.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

While several teams inspire me, I want to recognize Team 365:MOE as a personal favorite role model and motivator.

At GA Championships MARS was fortunate enough to receive a visit from Team MOE when they awarded our robot with their "Functional Integrity" Plaque. As the only design/engineering award our Team received for our rugged catapult shooter, I can't tell you how prized that recognition was, especially from such an incredible, experienced team.

From reaching out to new teams with MOEmentum, to presenting info on how to get 501(c)3 status on the NEMO site, to their infectious spirit, they have a huge positive impact on other teams. Their web site has been a helpful resource to MARS in our efforts to further organize our team.I was amazed reading about their Miracles of Reading program, MOE University and MOETV. They truly do "Make Miracles Happen".

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Many teams are role models for different reasons. However, I know there is one team that is a major role model to our team as a whole; Team 75. Every time we have a meeting, we always mention how their organization is so good and their teamwork is exceptional and just the way their team runs is great. And we both have a J&J sponsorship and have a close distance to them. I, along with the parents on the team, are trying to make the 2007 season much better by following the ways of Team 75 and the RoboRaiders :)

Re: Role Model Teams
 

When i saw this i had one team that came to mind right away. That team would have to be team 103 Cybersonics. This team is amazing role model. This is a team that know how to have fun and get things done. From Peter K, to Mr. and Mrs. Beck, to everyone on there team just friendly and respectable. They show true GP on the field and off. Along with using their resources to there limits. I look up to there inventor team that puts on an amazing show every year that is hard to top. When we go against them or are pair with them it is an honor cause i know i will play a great team.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I completely agree..whenever you see 103, they're organized, out in force, and just amazingly presentable. They serve as models of their community and I think are the essence of a first team. Heck, they even call themselves a 'Technology Team'.

Further proof of this is 103's facility outside of their high school...one look and you'll be mesmerized. They collected funding and sponsors and built the spectacle for their team's use..it's quite an achievement..if you ever get a chance ask them about it or go check it out!

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I personally think team 25 is a role model team. They have such a great structure from the scouting team to the drivers. They are such nice people that make their team special, and I personally think it was an unfortunate event that they didn't win the chairman's award at the Championships. For me was a blessing to meet them and get to play with them.

thank you 25!!!
-Natalia (987)

Re: Role Model Teams
 

Gosh- I'm getting weepy!!! Thanks for the great compliments. Believe me, my guys feel likewise about the High Rollers. We had such a great time in LV and your team was a great part of that.

We are very fortunate to have the support of a lot of people and get the chance to visit other regionals. We try to go somewhere new each year and make new friends. So far we haven't been disappointed.

As for the CA- well thanks for the sentiments but we really hoped only for our local award and anything beyond would be a bonus. Our friends at Wildstang certainly deserve the award and we wish them the best. Our team had a stellar season and received more awards this year than the past 4 combined. We have no regrets.

WC :cool:

Re: Role Model Teams
 

First on my list - Andy Baker (personal role model) and team 45 (team role model). They've been around from the start and are a truly amazing representation of FIRST. Our team has modeled a lot of what we do based on how the T-Kats operate. We've even gone so far as to "borrow" their team manual and 2-speed transmission design!

Another team I need to recognize is Team 71. Why? My first FIRST experience was to attend kickoff in Manchester in January of 2000. When our other team mentor and I went to the Holiday Inn Downtown for breakfast, Joe Pernick invited us to join him at his table. Ah, yes, my first taste of gracious professionalism. I was VERY impressed with how welcoming he was.

Finally, I have to recognize WildStang (111). I don't know if it is because we were pit neighbors a couple times this year of because Raul/Dan/Dave/Al/Mike/..... are a great bunch of mentors or becuase they are such an identifiable team, they just seem to have it together both on and off the field.

Bottom line (and you can see this in my response) I am more inspired by the individuals that make up the teams than I am by any one team as a whole.

Great thread!

Sean

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my role model team, is 1923.... just cause it is

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Definetly 107. If you've ever met anyone from 107, they have got to be the nicest and most helpful team ever. Every year we nominate them for the sportsmanship award because every year they go above and beyond gracious professionalism. 108 was lucky enough to always share a pit space next to them. Every year they'd show up with their home made lathe and other such things and offer us help getting our mangled bot to run. Often times we'd be furiously working away at the bot trying to get it to do something, while 107 was working on theirs. They would stop fixing theirs, come over and start helping us with ours. Thats just the kinda guys they were.

107 - You guys rock. Period.



Also, just for the record, after a certain chicago incident, there are a few teams I no longer consider role models, but I'll refrain from naming anything further. If you were there, you know. 107 still rocks.

Other teams I'd consider role models:

61 - You guys every year would take one look at our overcomplicated pile of things and then go "hey, this is a simpler way of doing it". Thanks for always being there to point out the Keep it simple methods.

Team Voltage - For being aweosme in lending their mad electrical skillz to teams at competition. I remember one year RoboTicks: Ely High School 408 was having issues with the robot doing the jerky movment problem and hearing clicking. Team voltage went to work and found the problem in that each of their drive motors were pulling 96amps each because they werent geared well. They fixed it and got it going and Ely was able to keep on competiting. Voltage, you rock.

Killer Bees - I think it was them. For showing everyone a four speed automatic transmission for 2lbs was possible. Man did that change the game when teams like us ditched our 45 lbs each transmissions... yes, 45 lbs each... yes thats 90 lbs in transmissions, yes that leaves only 40 lbs for the rest of the robot I know.

SPAM - You guys rock too. I cant think of anyone that we've borrowed more tools from then SPAM, and I definetly cant think of any team that we've broken more of their taps from. From offseasons to regular competitions, you can always count on SPAM to come fully prepared to support all the teams. Oh, and thanks for the 5 foot zip ties. Who knew they made them that big? (Yes we mounted an entire 10 lbs aluminum plate to the front of the robot with it, that was after we broke two of their taps trying to mount it to the robot).

There's more, but thats my top list and WHY.

Re: Role Model Teams
 

I wholeheartedly concur. I'm sorry to have forgotten this team in my list! Jim is an amazing mentor with a heart of gold!

Sean

Re: Role Model Teams
 

1726

They are the best rookie team I have ever seen. They got three awards at the Davis regional (Highest seeded rookie, Rookie award, and Regional Winner) and there is no telling what they can do next year.