Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

We finally convinced a rookie on our team to ask the pit admin to ask everyone "team 135 would like a metric crescent wrench". He had no idea what he was asking for. We like to show them something like this ever year to encourage them to study the tools in our shop to avoid embarrassment.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Haha. Why do you think we took it and saran wrapped it to a bench? :D

Yeah, Michael (from Rush) and I had to put up with the honking until Schnabel removed its power, but it was well worth it.

I hope there are no hard feelings. :rolleyes:

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

By sheer luck, I had a front row seat to the shrink-wrapping of Albert the Road Barrel. When I saw Eric nervously fingering a large roll of plastic, I suspected he might have a human victim in mind. Moments later, his true intentions became apparent -- to the delight of many cheering witnesses. :)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

What did Albert the Road Barrel do?
I didn't get to see him in action.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Drive around, flash its light, and honk its horn. Lather, rinse, repeat. ;)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

They should have wrapped up Ben too!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

He was especially good at sneaking up behind you and honking... made me jump a few times...

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Once I find my video charger that may have been left at IRI on the right side of the gym by the bleachers possibly plugged into an outlet strip of 71's, I'll be going through the interviews and cutting them up, putting the answers together in a stream to try and explain to people what FIRST robotics is and how it actually impacts the people involved.

I've shown videos before that are able to show younger kids what the robots do in FIRST, where they can get hooked on the fast pace exciting competition, but they don't see everything else you gain in FIRST besides the ability to build a robot in six weeks. I want to show kids the confidence, friendships, and over all "togetherness" (111 interview) that students can get out of the FIRST program with these interviews.

Renee

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I can't believe I missed him. What a fun/funny idea! Hey, he would have been good in the Talent Show.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

We had a blast.

Thanks first of all to Paul Copioli and the rest of the Thunderchickens for the hospitality. Thanks to the IRI planning committee and all the volunteers. Thanks also to 910, for some great matches both with and against you guys, and for helping us pack for the 2nd year in a row.

We were very happy to get the chance to play with both 67 and 987 again. Both are among the best robots this year.

1024, 1625, and 1126 were an awesome alliance, having the highest scoring average of any of the elimination alliances. 3 awesome shooters! It was very intimidating going against the home crowd.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The one team that really stood out to me this year at IRI that i didn't see coming was definetely 1731, they helped us tackle a qualification match against RAWC and the Killer bee's victoriously. Then saved our alliances butt in our first quarterfinal match. I'm surprised they were left for a backup bot.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I loved how whenever they brought the Barrel by the Vex Field we "took control" and 1024 was getting all confused how It would run when they turned their controller off.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I just uploaded a couple hundred photos from IRI here. Some of them are 1503-centric, but most are fairly general. Enjoy!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I wish I could have seen their robot in action again. They were easily the best robot not to attend CMP this year and the best at VCU. Too bad penalties cost them the regional title twice in two regionals in the rubber match.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Great pictures! I even noticed that I was in a few.

On another note, this year was an amazing conclusion to my high school FIRST career. The competition was fierce, and everyone had loads of enthusiasm. It was nice seeing old friends for last time, and making new ones to see in the future.

Congrats to the winning alliance and of course all other teams because each match was just amazing to watch. You know it's IRI when your alliance can score over 100+ points in a qualification match and still lose multiple times. ;)