Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I've sat down to write this post several times now, and each time words have failed me.

148 had a rough weekend. As many of you know we were plagued by problems and had a tough time figuring out what was going wrong. I think many of us believed (rightfully so) that we would not make the elimination tournament.

Luckily for us, someone decided to take a risk on little Tumbleweed.

I will never be able to thank 1114 and 217 enough. I am extremely happy with the close bond that has developed between our teams over the past 2 years. This friendship is an incredible thing. To be able to play with you guys was just unbelievable.

Those who know me, know I am not a nervous person. (I may be a huge pessimist, but not nervous.) When Luke called out "148" my hand started shaking. I've never been so scared in FIRST as I was at that moment. I was terrified we would screw something up for 1114. I was worried we would do something to let these guys down. NEVER has there been a team more deserving. I'm just glad we could do our part to help you guys get your first win.

Long before this weekend I knew 1114 and 217 were models for all FIRST teams. Over the years I've spent a lot of time with the mentors and students of both teams. None of this could prepare me for my experiences on Saturday afternoon. There were so many absolutely MAGICAL moments.

I know I will never be part of an alliance this incredible, ever again (my apologies to all future partners, but you've got BIG shoes to fill.) It would be difficult to describe to an outsider exactly what it was like. I will never forget my time on "the alliance built on friendship". It really was a "dream alliance" but maybe not for the reasons most people think.

Thank you for an incredible run!

Your Friend,
John

PS - "Can I get an Encore, do you want more?"

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I have been following this thread for a few days and every single night I sit down to reply to this thread and I just can't find the right words. First of all, congrats on a very deserving championship gold.

Team 1114 - There are so many teams out there but you are the one team I have looked up to for the past two years. Your team is one of the most well organized team. Most of all, you guys aren't selfish about sharing information about your team. You guided team 1345 to the right path with designs for past two years (It was really good to hear that you guys finally won chairmans at waterloo). I only wish I had the chance to be part of your team.

Team 217 - You guys are an amazing team. You know the true meaning of FIRST and you always welcome others in your pit. I have had the pleasure of speaking to quite a few members from your team and you guys exemplify a team everyone can look up to. Paul, thank you for sharing all the designs/pictures of your previous bots. I have learned a lot from you.

Team 148 - The creativity and the amount of work you guys put into your team is unbelievable. Tumbleweed is by far one of the most creative robots I have seen this season. You guys have proved me wrong because in the beginning of the season, I told my own team that a lapbot is a bad idea. By the way, if any student member of the team is reading this post, find time to steal John away for few hours and have him teach you techniques on how to design gearboxes/chassis/FIRST robot in general. He is one of my guru.

1114, 217, and 148; all 3 of you deserved to win the championship this season. Congratulations. When I first heard that you guys were on the same alliance, I couldn't believe it until I saw you guys out there on the field. It was a dream alliance. I will be thankful if I ever have the pleasure to be behind the glass with any of you three teams, even if it's for just one match.

Thank you for everything you guys do for FIRST and for inspiring the next generation of FIRST.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I don't visit Chief Delphi very often, so my late posting is due to my infrequent visits. I wanted to take just a moment to say thank you to Parker for such a kind post. I am honored. If you have not had the opportunity to meet and visit with Parker Francis, then make sure you take the time to do so, he is the real deal. Parker has represented Team 148 on numerous occasions and has always been spot on with his attitude and remarks. With V-Neun in the coaches box and Parker at the controls, it was an awesome robo-season. I'm proud of all the Robowranglers and they know this, but I wanted to stop by and just say thanks to Parker in a very public fashion. :o

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

IM SCARED OF PAUL!!!!!


(MEMORIES OF DETROIT 08 REGIONAL)


HE STILL COOL!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I definitely have to congratulate these teams, it was a challenge and an honor to play against them. Driving against them pushed me to the max and was an epic end to my last competition ever (as a student, anyway). They totally deserved it.