Congratulations to the new champs
1114 SimBotics
217 ThunderChickens
148 RoboWrangler

you guys were awesome.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

The SimChicken Wranglers are you new World Champions.

Congrats to 1114, 217 and 148 on winning the championship event.

[Joke: has nothing to with how awesome they are] It seems that 1114 can make it out of their division when my team isn't on either side of the equation, either with them ('06) or against them ('07)[/Joke]
But seriously congrats on winning. I remember seeing you guys as rookies (as a freshmen) and thought you were good then but you certainly have grown exponentially since.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

What an amazing alliance! Congrats to all these teams!

Also congrats to 348,16,67 for an outstanding performance!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

1114 is the new highest team number to win the Championship. Congrats to all three teams, if someone said at the beginning of the season that these three powerhouses would be together on Einstein, I would have said they were crazy. You all were amazing. Major props to 1114, getting 2 balls + 5 lines almost every time, thats what seemed to make or break matches.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to 114, 217, and 148 on the victory.

Congrats as well to 67, 16, and 348, you guys definitely made them sweat.

Congrats to 842 for Chairmans and 359 for EI as well

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations to teams: 1114, 217,148 and 348,16, and 67 for an excellent finals.:D

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats 1114, 217, 148!!! you guys really had to work hard for this one, finnaly got it!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

The moment they started playing Thunderstruck, I knew, I KNEW, they would win it. It's 217's song, and kind of a good-luck charm (They played it for our 1st match on Einstein in '06).

God, I wish I could have been there (stupid exams).

Congratulations to everybody on 1114, 217, and 148!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Fantastic match, guys! Congratulations 1114-217-148, 67-16-348 and 842. You were amazing at the competition!

I wish we play with/against you next year. See you!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Awesome job 1114-217-148... you guys kept fighting and fixing a sign of true champions.
Too all the others congrats also... this year was a intense Championship and you all showed the world the FIRST spirit.

Congrats to the award winners too... great work :D

-p

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to the SimChicken Wranglers, the Norwell HOT Squad, Falcon Robotics and the Hawaiian Kids!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I knew something was up when I saw that Sim-Chickens picture earlier this year. It's a conspiracy I tell you XD

Congrats 1114,217,148. Those matches were epic in win.

And also that was an epic fight by 67, 16, and 348

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

WOW just WOW!

And it's about time 1114!

So here's my congratulations to 1114, 217 and 148. Ya done good!

67, 16 and 348 also a job well done!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Way to break the Beatty "curse"! Not once, but twice! Congratulations also to 1114 on being the current highest-numbered champion.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Not only that, but they broke the Galileo "Curse".

Curie is now the only division that has yet to yield World Champions.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to all of the teams for a game well played, this years game produced some really well thought out and designed robots.

I got to witness the Championship as a fan instead of a competitor, which was really relieving after how we performed at our regional. Unfortunately we missed out on the finals since our flight back to Richmond left at 5.

The matches I did see were really competitive and fun to watch, and it was a totally different experience in a place as large as the Georgia Dome. I'm just glad I got to round out my last FIRST event as a high school student with an event as great as this was.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

And Curie broke a curse too--This is the first time they've gotten past Einstein semis.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to 1114, 217, and 148 on an amazing Championship run. You guys were amazing!

Also Congrats not only to the Curie 67-16-348 alliance, but to the alliances from Newton and Archimedes as well. Each alliance was awesome.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations To the Champs!

I just want to say that this past weekend I was able to spend with 148, and I was able to see what a truly fantastic team them are.
Their students were fantastic.
Their Mentors made me feel welcome.
and... they also fed me. =)

Congrats, and once again thank you to the Wranglers!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Karthik, Derek and the rest of the gang from Ontario: Amazing machine, amazing scouting, amazing team. Throughout the entire season you have always brought an amazing machine and team to the field, and it paid off.

Paul and gang: 2 wins in 3 years... not bad... haha what am i kidding that is great. Very nice design and very simple at the same time.

John, Amanda, and the rest of the Wranglers, great job. After seeing your robot almost everyone thought you had no chance in Atlanta, but you proved us all wrong. Very simple, yet speedy machine got what it needed done to win.

Congrats on the Championship win, and to breaking the Beatty curse.. Congrats to 1114 for their first title and both 148 and 217 for their 2nd World Championship title.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations to all of the teams and all of the elimination alliances. I enjoyed the extremely close and exciting matches throughout.

I have to say that the strategy put on by 148 in the final match to defend the overpass removal of one of the opposing trackballs was inspired. I'm certain we will see that same move put on in many of the offseason competitions.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to all three champs - you sure put together an amazing alliance and gave us all some very entertaining matches on Einstein. Who knew chickens were so tippy! :)

Congrats to all the other award winners - I was in awe when the narratives were read. We are all in VERY good company!

When does the countdown to 2009 begin?!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

The matches were Epic.
I wish I could shake everyone's hand and say "good game", because, as a first FIRST season for me, I can undoubtedly say it was the best thing I've ever experienced.


(but I watched atlanta via webcast, spending 6 hours in a dark basement with 4 other team members and 24 cans of mountain dew)

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

BINGO!!! Predictions were right. I would like to give my congrats to Teams 1114,217 and 148 for their awesome well fought championship win. Who would have known that 1114 would take the title after what happened last year. I was watching constant matches from all divisions bu enjoyed the one on galileo and einstien the most. They scores what 1114 put up were nerve wrecking, Like OMG 100+ points in each round . In addition 50+ in autonomus/hybrid mode. You guyz really deserved that win.

Moreover, Good Job to every one who came and fought like no tommarow. In otherwords, we all are winners, despite the results. Because to me winning dosent mean too much if you didnt learn anaything.

Even though our team didnt go to atlanta, I still am happy that i was With FIRST for 4 years and this being my last year of high school was awesome.

Good luck to every team competeing in the following years.

Bilal Shahid

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations! As soon as I saw 148 still in the rankings, it became apparent that this was a killer alliance that I think a lot of people predicted. Huge respect on making it out of the extremely violent galileo field and even playing a 2v3 match just to give 148 a chance to repair their bot.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

CONGRATULATIONS 1114 ,217, 148 !!!!! I hate to tell you i told you so , but i told you so !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out page nine of the ultimate alliance thread (mark johnson). Just by being able to play with the Thunderchickens at the Great Lakes Regional we found out how good this team really is !!!!!!!! With 1114 that we all knew ...... was the best robot this year ,and how ironic there in the same division. PS: Paul ,the Foley Freeze (910) would be more than happy to be your 3rd alliance pick at IRI !!!!!!!!!!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

As Katie said we barred the doors and drank mountain dew all the way through Saturday! When 1114 picked 217 and then 148, we thought it was to good to be true having the Sim-Chicken Wranglers for an Alliance. We followed you guys through Galileo, watched some nerve wracking matches, and cheered our hearts out for you guys! Congratulations again!

1114, it was a pleasure to play with and against you in Midwest, I hope you liked the cookies :rolleyes:

Renee

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Thought I'd put this here since it seemed more pertinant in this thread:

It was a pleasure playing with you all in Chicago!

-q

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Completely agree with Q on this one 1114 deserved this after watching pretty much every match they competed in I am still amazed at their robot. And they also had an amazing catch with their little malfunction at Einstein(forget which match but they shot the ball and it bounced off the overpass into their claw)

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

They even had SimChicken shirts on after alliance picking!
lol, Congrats guys. You guys deserve it.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations 1114, 217 , 148.

I think you guys made a lot of people's "Dream Alliance" come true.

Simply awesome set of machines.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations teams 1114, 217, and 148! It's great to see a Michigan team win it all.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I am overwhelmed with happiness to see a Canadian team take it all!

Congratulations to everyone in those final divisions matches, no lie, there were some pretty amazing robots and some pretty amazing teamwork!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

congrats guys!!! you were my fantasy FIRST team!!!! (this year)

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

The Detroit Free Press hails your victory.

Major congrats to 217, who were amazing partners back at GLR, and now have 2 championships in 3 years.

Have a safe flight home!!!

-Joe

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

My group from USC was eating lunch in the media suite on Saturday when I looked at Galileo's red alliance station. When I saw those three numbers up on the player station, I was practically gushing about the potential epicness of the alliance. (Both of my partners probably think I'm a nut after yesterday.)

Congrats, Simbots Wrangling Chickens!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

no... us, 25, and 494 got to the international finals out of the Curie division in 2003

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

How Thrilling was that? !!!4, 217, & 148. An incredible weekend, Congratulations!!!

To the 2nd Triumvirate of FIRST, enjoy this time. You Sooo deserve it.

67, 16 & 348. Any other time… You met the best and made them swear. (oops, sweat)
You Rock!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Once I saw Paul talking to 1114 Saturday morning and it was a well known fact that they would team up, I knew they would be next to unstoppable. However, I was really surprised they only had two hurdlers on their alliance - but it seemed to work out very well for them. Regardless, congratulations to all three teams, their hard work really paid off. Congratulations to the running up alliance and all other teams who were apart of the event.

Does anyone have a video of Semis 1 Match 2, I was in the pits crating our robot and missed it.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Nothing could withstand the fury of the SimChicken Wranglers!

Congratulations guys. You earned it. :D

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to both alliances for a very exciting set of finals matches, and a fantastic season all around.

My favorite part of the finals was that Paul Copioli had the honor of competing against his 217 protege, Wayne Penn, a mentor to team 348. I know it was a proud moment for them both, and it makes for a great FIRST success story.

I offer my sincerest thanks to everyone for making the 2008 season an inspiring one for me and my team.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

You know, I think it was the year of teacher/student. With Paul and Wayne in the finals and Raul/Rich at Midwest, it's really the year of it!

Congratulations to 1114, 217, & 148. I think that the finals on Einstein this year were truly the best I've seen in a long time. 2 alliances that were really just awesome and really what I think were the 2 best formed. I was thrilled to see them both make it out there.

Although these two alliances did have me going nuts. It is very hard to figure out who to root for when it's my old team against probably my favorite team in the competition (sans my own of course)... Simbots and HOT, not cool... :P

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to teams 1114, 217 and 148. For the life of me I can't believe the three of you were able to form one alliance. But yeah, also got to give a shout out to teams 67 and 233, you guys definately had champ caliber robots this year and deserve a great deal of recognition. In fact, I would've loved to see the two of you + a race car/defender vs the championship alliance, that would have be an incredible match up. I wonder if all those teams will make it out to IRI?

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to the winners!

Also congrats to 233, 968, and 60; the most sexy alliance on Einstein IMO. We were rooting for you the whole way!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

1114, you finally did it. I couldn't be happier for you guys. You are such a phenominal team and not just in terms of building a winning robot. This season, you defined FIRST and it's objectives and I don't think anyone will argue with me when I say that you guys are the real deal.

217, you came up with a super simple, effective, and unique design that worked wonderfully and looked amazing while doing it. You probably have the best arm-bot in the game this year and I loved watching you slam dunk your way through Einstein.

148, you guys served as a great 3rd robot and played good defense throughout the finals and you were a great compliment to the constant hurdling of 1114 and 217. Good job guys.

You three are the reason I keep coming back. You do so much on and off the field and it only makes me want to push forward harder. I have so much respect for all three of you and I'm so happy to see you guys walk away from Atlanta as champions.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to 1114, 217, and 148 on the win. You guys were a real powerhouse alliance, and you really knew how to fight through some tough competition. Also, job well done to all the Divisional winners. I don't think any of you gave Galileo an easy match, you all did amazingly well against that powerhouse alliance.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations teams 1114, 217, and 148. it was an amazing eliminations to watch

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I just wanted to echo the congratulations to 1114, 217 and 148. You guys made a truely epic alliance. It was hard to feel bad about losing to you guys.

For those of you curious about what we were scrambling around working on before the championship match, when we'd gotten tangled up and tipped over in the last match of the semi-finals, our arm feedback potentiometer stopped working. We had a spare installed on the other side of the arm, but we'd never really tested it. Apparently we'd forgotten about the little fact that it rotated in the opposite direction, so the polarity was backwards. By the time we'd gotten this all sorted out, it was time for our first match of the championship. With a broken arm pot this meant we couldn't knock any balls off in hybrid. We were very disappointed as we'd just gotten our 2 ball hybrid working (second ball worked both times we'd tried it).

In that first match we also broke one of the two lexan flex plates that allow our roller to survive impacts. In the mad dash to get the flex plate and our potentiometer fixed in the 5 minutes after the first championship match (never did get either fixed ), we hadn't noticed that our packaging device was broken until we were on our way to the field (it only takes 2 bolts to replace). Thankfully the judges gave us a zip tie to cobble it in place for the last match. :eek: I guess our machine was getting even with us, it'd been virtually problem-free all year.

Does anyone happen to know why we don't have any awards planned between those last two matches? Sure would have helped us out. We spent hours waiting around for our matches before that, then those last minutes frantically trying to fix out crippled bot. :) Our drivers did a fantastic job with a machine that didn't grip balls very well and an arm that had to be positioned manually.

Again, Congratulations to the awesome championship teams. Hope to see you at IRI. ;)

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to the winners, as well as everyone else!

1114, you had a awesome bot this year, and it's about time you can claim a national championship. You definitely earned it! Good luck in the future, and I look forward to seeing your bot next year =P

217, it was wonderful knowing you guys. You are probably some of the nicest people in FIRST, and you had one awesome bot. Congrats on joining 71 in the multiple win club. Making it 3 next year =D

148, you guys are awesome. Your drivers are possibly the best ones in the league, knowing exactly how to use that little robot of yours to the best of it's ability. I never thought a little thing like that could play defense the way you guys did, it was extremely fun to watch! Good Luck next year! EDIT: Didn't know you guys also had a championship underneaths your belts. Congrats on also joining 71 and 217 in the multiple win club./EDIT

Also, congrats to all other teams at championships and all those who were unable to make it. I hope you all had a wonderful time playing FIRST Overdrive!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congratulations to 1114, 217, and 148 you guys were amazing. If we had to lose to anyone, I'd want it to be you guys. Once i saw the score on our first match on Einstein, and saw we didn't win by much with 217 down, I knew it would take a miracle to beat Galileo. Although that second match had me hoping...

Oh well. Again, great job, you guys deserve it.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I want to congratulate the officials for the best job I have ever seen at the worlds to date.

Great calls on Galileo putting an sweeping end to the poor sportmanship of some teams.

Congratulations to Simotics, Thunder Chickens and the Robowranglers.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

For the sake of my retiring teacher, and great coach of 15 years, I want to point out the little known fact that 148 won the world championships in '93. With this being her last year, I was ecstatic to be able to hand her the championship trophy. There's just no greater feeling than giving someone who has devoted 15 years of her life to our team the happiness she was showing.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I have to say, the finals on Galileo this year were some of the best matches I've ever seen. There were some truly amazing alliances in the finals. I was shocked to see that 1114, 217 and 148 were able to hold 1717, 254 and 384 to 58 points in both finals matches while scoring 100+ points, especially considering 1717 and 254 were consistently putting up 100+ points through the QFs and SFs.

SF1 on Einstein was the best set of finals I saw all year. Though 968, 233 and 60 were eliminated, they still hold the title of being the only alliance to beat the SimChicken Wranglers in a match.

Congrats to 1114, 217 and 148!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats 1114, 217 and 148!
we had fun running with and/ or against each of you during the qualification rounds. It was a privilege to run against 3 such great machines during the Galileo finals. You deserve it.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

As soon as I checked the Galileo standings at noon on Saturday and saw 1114 as the number one seed, I knew they were going to pick 217 and the other three divisions on Einstein were in serious trouble. Congrats to 1114 on the GREATEST display of dominance I have ever seen and 148 for providing a strong compliment to the two outstanding hurdlers.

And, finally, I want to congratulate our fellow Michigan team, 217, the ThunderChickens. I remember seeing you guys for the first time two years ago on Einstein, when WE won Galileo. I remember how incredible your robot was, and felt that had we made it to the finals on Einstein, it would have been an epic showdown.
This year, I was extremely excited when I looked at the team list for the Great Lakes Regional last month and saw your team on it. I immediately knew you would be the team to beat, which as it turned out, you were. I loved not only your robot, but your humble demeanor and your display of class toward our drive team after you beat us. On Einstein, up on the second level near Curie, our entire team was cheering for your alliance to take Einstein and were elated when you finally did. On behalf of Team 201 the FEDS, I congratulate you on a great season. I couldn't ask for a better team to win Einstein.

(Oh, and one more thing, 217. We would really, REALLY like you guys to come to the Great Lakes Regional next year. We would actually like to play with your team lol:) )

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I told you the South would dominate this year. 148 won it and 16 was very close. Now, its time for the south to step it up another notch for next year!


Pavan




.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I'd like to add my congratulations to the winners. Did you hear 1025 and a Canadian team (20xx) hollering and cheering from the upper deck above Curie?

But congrats are also due to the rest of the alliances. When I saw the teams introduced on Einstein, I thought, "This is going to be good!" And it was. Any of those alliances would have been worthy World Champions.

Yeah, you missed a ... well, I don't know what to call it. 148 was out with repairs, and 1114 and 217 elected to play 2 v 3. Two seconds into teleoperted there was a high speed ram, and it went downhill from there. After a 15 minute conference, it ended with 11 penalties and a DQ for 40 for intentionally tipping 1114.
Perhaps because they can't be sure of how many matches there would be played. If one of the semis hadn't gone to 3 games, the whole thing would have been over before they got to that award.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

1114 - All year we watched the vids of you scoring and everyone kept saying, "Where's the defense? Doesn't ANYONE want to try and slow them down?" Well, you certainly had a target painted on your back all weekend, and you showed how well you could still do against defenders - it was amazing! When 330 pinned a ball against their drivers station, and you reached in "around" their arms, lifted up and pulled back with the ball we couldn't believe it! Bet they couldn't either - right in front of them. Way to play so smart and cool, and under such tremendous pressure. Congrats!

217 - We couldn't wish for a nicer team to win! Being 1 win away from winning it all with you at Great Lakes and getting a ticket to Atlanta, we REALLY wanted to see you show off your stuff and boy did you! When you stretched that surgical tubing about 15 feet across the field from that far side post we were waiting for something to explode! Then you fixed it but too tight, and finally got it back to 100% again - all while surviving the playoffs in the most difficult division there. Wow! We're so glad you could show off why you have such a tremendous robot, drive team, and strategist. Here's hoping we can partner with you again this year! We're making a ton of improvements and will be ready for the summer off-season events with a vengence!

148 - I can just imagine what went through your minds when they called your name to partner up with those two juggernauts! We had the same privilege at great lakes when the #1 seed 66 and 217 picked us as their third and then we all took it to the third match of the finals. Hats off to your drive and design team. Way to chose to do one element of the game and do it great!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

As everyone else has already said, Congratulations to 1114, 217, and 148 you guys deserve it.

1114 - I think I told this to every 1114 team member that I talked too, in the 4 years that I have been in FIRST, Simbot SS is the most dominant robot that I have seen :yikes:. The amazing thing about it is that any of the other teams in FIRST probably could built that machine, but none of us had the vision to come up with that design. When Jim and I saw your machine on the Midwest videos we were amazed and confused why we didn't think of that design. Whats even more incredible is that your driver has two more years left to compete. He was awesome at fighting thru traffic and lining up the machine for trackball collection.

217 - Thanks for bringing another championship back to Michigan. 2 out of 3 years is incredible. We really wanted to be the first team to break the Beatty Curse, but we are proud that another local team has done it. Your machine is great. I love the way you collect the ball and hurdle, its very unique. We may have thought of 1114's machine eventually, but we never would have thought of the way you guys solved the problem.

148 - You guys did it! I think you guys were the most effective team we have played against all year at defending our robot. Your machine is so fast and manuverable, it was giving our drivers fits trying to get past you. Seeing your serve module was very inspiring. You guys deserved to be out there and you definately earned your Gold medals.

We tried our best to keep our drivers focused on the fact that anything could happen, even what most considered the impossible - beating the ultimate alliance, 2 out of 3 matches. To their credit both the drivers and coaches stayed extremely focused and the pit crew did a awesome job trying to get the machine 100% functional after our semi-finals tip over.

We will wear our Silver Medals with our heads high, knowing we tried our hardest but got beat by a well deserving better alliance.

Congratulations again!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

It was all a dream...

For years, Team 1114 has dreamed of winning the championship. In 2006, we thought we had the robot and alliance to finally put it all together, but in mere few minutes it all evaporated. We were a wreck after that loss. I was a disaster. But we regrouped, came back with renewed focus and dedication in 2007. Then in 2007, we once again thought we had the robot to go all the way. Then the unthinkable happened. After the 2007 season we were heartbroken and angry. Our chances at winning the championship were literally ripped away.

I began to wonder, how many more chances would we have? Could we really be cursed? There was much introspection and self doubt after Atlanta 2007. In spite of it all, we moved on. We had to. Knowing that a team can only have so many chances to be on top, an immediate sense of urgency developed. We attacked the 2008 season with a singular focus. Never before have I seen a team so driven towards success. We constantly talked about execution. Every team member was single mindedly driven towards their goal.

Motivation. Our team was constantly motivated internal and externally. Every one of us knew how much the others wanted this goal, and this propelled us each to work harder. Our team is a big family, with everyone working to make sure that every one reaches their goal. No one wanted to let any one down. Then there were the external sources. Our team was maligned often this season. This only served to make us work that much harder to prove the doubters wrong. To a certain degree we took a Tiger Woods / Michael Jordan approach to it all, using the negative words of others to motivate us even further.

We had an amazing regional season, but we knew it would be rendered relatively meaningless if we didn't win the Championship in Atlanta. So despite all the attention, hype and the giant target on our backs, we continued to focus on execution. Every team member performed at the highest level this weekend. We were not about to let this opportunity slip through our hands again.

I can't even begin to describe the emotions we felt this weekend. There were so many spectacular moments. Clinching the number one seed on Saturday morning. Assembling the dream alliance of 217 and 148. Earning our first trip to Einstein by winning arguably the toughest division in FIRST history. Surviving so many technical problems to come from behind to beat the 968/233/60 alliance. Then finally finishing our ascent, and winning our first World Championship.

Right now I'm so high that I've ascended through the blue atmosphere and am about to ring the doorbell on the international space station. This feeling is truly indescribable. You dream of something for so long, that to a certain degree it seems unattainable. Anyone who knows me or the Simbots knows how badly we wanted this. There's nothing quite like this.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible. There's so many of you.

Team 217 - We've wanted to work with you for years. We learned a valuable lesson about your team in 2006. There is no better Saturday performer than the ThunderChickens. This team just knows how to win. No matter what adversity is thrown their way, they always find a way to pull it out. Despite technical glitches that would have derailed most teams, they just kept fighting back. Most teams would have given up with the electrical problems they were having (after winning Galileo, the team lost all power to their robot), but not 217. They stayed focused and came back at full strength on Einstein. Their last second places proved beyond any doubt that they were by far the best pick.

Team 148 - We wanted a second round team who had the flexibility to be both a lap runner, and a strong defender. When the fastest robot in our division, with strong defending capabilities became available, there was no way we could turn them down. For all the doubters out there, wait until the video comes out. You'll see that 148 was able to consistently slow down and shut down some of the most effective robots in FIRST. They also managed to play this defense without stooping to the dirty and ugly that we've seen from certain teams over the years. It was a true pleasure to work with the Robowranglers.

The Canadian Teams in Attendance - It was great seeing all those Canadian flags waving in support of us during the Einstein matches. We could even hear Waldo cheering for us all the down on the field. It was a true honor to represent our country. Just thinking about it all nearly brings tears to my eyes. Special thanks you our littlest supporters, the WAFFLES FLL team from Kingston, Ontario. The support you gave us at both GTR and Atlanta warms my heart.

The Simbot Supporters Across The Dome - The Championships were such a refreshing change. It was great having team after team come to our pit congratulating us on our design. Then there was the the support in the stands. Talking to our team parents, one of their most memorable moments was when they were leaving Galileo to head to the Einstein stands, and received a standing ovation from the fans of Galileo as the walked up the stairs. The support we received in Atlanta was overwhelming, especially considering the treatment our team has been accustomed to in Toronto and Waterloo.

A couple personal ones:

Mark Breadner - There is no more deserving winner of the Woodie Flowers Award than you. You've helped shape me into the man I am today. I'm grateful towards you for so much.

JVN and Paul Copioli - Winning the championship was everything I dreamed it to be and more, but part of what made it special was to win it with friends. You guys are awesome, and there's no one else I'd rather share this title with than you.

To all the Simbots - You guys have kept me going for the past 5 years. I've been through some ups and downs in my life, but you've been the one consistent factor. No matter what else is going on, I can always count on the Simbots to inspire me and motivate me. The bonds on this team are so much more than that of just being simple teammates. You are truly my family and my best friends. I look up to each and every one of you in different ways, both Big and Little Simbots. You help define the standards that I live my life by. There's really no other group that consistently makes me smile and laugh the way you do. This journey has been amazing, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us next.

Finally, I'd like to thank the few people who've been by my side and supported me at various points during this epic journey. Some of you may or may not be reading this, but you know who you are. I'm glad to have sat under Thunder and rain with you, and grateful too For sunlight on the garden.

In the words of Ric Flair...

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

WHOOOO!!!

[Sorry, I just had to...:D]

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

congrats
and I have to do it
GALI...

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Thanks for the support! I remember you guys gave us a heck of a time in GLR. Hands down the best defending robot we've been up against. Thank you also for the kind words, it means a lot.

It was a privilege playing with and against you guys as well. I remember going into a match with you guys not expected you to match us in points (which gave our alliance the win), so when I found out we were against you guys with Cheesy Poofs and D'Penguineers I was a little worried that their third robot could get 4 hurdles in a match! You guys put up a tough fight, good luck next year.

Thank you 1114 for picking us, couldn't have asked for a more dominating partner, you carried us through most of Galileo and I felt bad until we got to pull our weight on Einstein. Your design was simple and elegant and your drive team amazing.

To 148: Wouldn't have had it any other way, you guys are simply incredible. I love Tumbleweed, and I love your team. You proved to everyone that yes, the little robot can kick some butt. I've never spent so much time just looking at a robot, never. I hope you guys use the crab drive for years to come :D Maybe next year FIRST will allow for some titanium bevel gears. And if you ever find yourself needing to get rid of one of those modules you know who to call :D

And thankyou to the rest of FIRST, in the past 3 years I have gained what seems a near infinite amount of knowledge. I've learned about teamwork, engineering, deadlines, and rivets. I've made friends, and a CAD drawing here and there. I've found something that has changed my life and influenced my decisions in a positive way. I've experienced feelings that few people get to experience at my age. I've felt accomplished, accepted, ecstatic, elated and tired after 12 weeks of the most exciting time in my life. I've never belonged to something like FIRST, it's an indescribable feeling to belong to something so big. For lack of adjectives, FIRST is, simply put, epic. An epic adventure with an epic ending. But FIRST's pull on me will not end now that I'm going off to college, I'll always have these memories, and I will treasure them, and one day I hope to be able to give back to the organization that has given me so much.

Thank you one and all,
Mike Harrison

PS:

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

This has been an amazing season and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I am so proud of all the Simbots. You worked so hard all season long, yet managed to keep it fun. You are my extended family and the joy on all of your faces on Saturday will stay with me forever.

Thank you to team 217 and 148. It was a privilege being aligned with you. Your teams are a model of professionalism.

John and Paul, it was an honor to be coaching with the likes of you two. Let's do it again some time.

Thanks to FIRST, the GDC and especially the referees. Your jobs were next to impossible this year. As a former hockey referee, I know that every call is wrong and right depending on which side of the field you ask. Thanks for taking the abuse and calling it like you see it.

Finally, thank you to Christine and Abby, the two loves of my life. Your support during the busy FIRST season is unbelievable. You are the best.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

First of all I want to wish the biggest congratulations to all of the teams for giving one of the most intense finals I've ever watched. I was literally on the edge of my seat for the entire thing.

1114, 217, 148 - What an amazing alliance. You guys were so inspiring to watch!! Congratulations to all three of you.

I want to both congratulate and thank 1114 for not only bringing the championship title back to Canada but for all the support they, once again, gave Waldo at the championship event. We found ourselves an hour before our Chairman's interview realizing we forgot something and Simbotics was right there ready to help us. It's just yet another example of how 1114 is more than just a winning team - they help define the term "gracious professionalism" and truly embody FIRST. That makes them an all-around winning team. I said multiple times at that event that I couldn't think of another team that deserved to win Championships more and personally, I still can't. They deserved that so much.


I think I annoyed everybody sitting around me by making them jump up everytime 1114, 217, and 148 was announced. And of course 1547 was cheering - when did we stop all weekend? A Canadian team in the finals gets our full support!!!

And to add to Karthik - The WAFFLES are definitely the littlest supporters anybody could have. This FLL team continuously came and found Waldo (no pun intended) in the pits or in the stands to wish us luck. They attended the qualifying tournament we held at Trafalgar and 1547 hasn't stopped talking about them since. I've told countless people that one of the members of the WAFFLES was my inspiration in FIRST because she is one of the most awe-struck people I've ever seen by the whole robotics program - a future engineer for sure!

The whole weekend was amazing and my thanks goes out to every team that made the event the best one I've attended by far. It was the last FIRST event I'd attend as a student on 1547 and it was the one I'll remember the longest.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

1114/217/148

Awesome alliance. Congrats. Well deserved. Your alliance played this game to the entertainment of all the crowd.

No need to say more.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

All I can say is ... WOW! We never could have expected this outcome. The Galileo division was stacked and there were sooo many great teams that I just can't count.

Even with all the great teams in Galileo, 1114 was an absolute cut above the rest. I still think they could have flipped a coin (or threw a dart at the dart board) for their eliminations partners and still won this thing. that is how good they are.

To team 1114:
I know I speak for all of team 217, when I say "thank-you" for believing we were the best pick for you. It was an honor and a priviledge to work along side dedicated and inspiring Simbots all Saturday afternoon. I am glad we could contribute to, what I believe to be, your destiny in 2008. I am also very, very glad we didn't screw it up for you.

To team 148:
Our recent history as close teams has been cemented forever after this past weekend. St. Louis was a blast and the Champs just topped off the perfect ending to a great year. Your courage to do what no one else had the guts to do is remarkable and your little robot was a work of art. I am glad that we were able to break the Beatty Curse together (for those of you that don't know, 148 won the champs in 1993). I look forward to maybe going to Dallas next year and you guys coming up to Great Lakes.

To the individuals:

Mark Breadner - Congratulations and welcome to the club. You deserve this award and I am glad you won it. Now I don't have to go to Canada anymore to present (JK)!

Rhona Breadner - Thank-you for helping us get your stubborn husband to the Championships this year. We could not have got him there without you.

Karthik - I am glad that we have gotten to be friends over the last few years. Your dedication to our team and to FIRST is admirable and you are an inspiration to many. I hope this marks the beginning of our teams working together more often.

Derek B - I am very happy we finally got to work together behind the glass. Your calmness under pressure and your excellent decision making under fire is a great motivator to me to become a better coach. Your dedication to your family and your team has inspired me to become a better man.

Geoff, Ian, Mike (the programmer), and all the other "go to" guys on Simbots -
You are all true professionals. You are the core of what makes Simbots tick. I know Karthik gets most of the spotlight, but you are the heart and soul of the team and it does not go unnoticed.

John V - You are one of my best friends, not just in FIRST, but in life. I am glad we started down our little collaboration adventure in 2005. It has made both of our teams stronger and closer as a result. Hey budy, do you remember when we won the Championship together? (sorry, inside joke)

Andy Baker and Ken Patton - You are both my original role models in FIRST. Although we didn't get much time to spend together in Atlanta, you both still have a big influence on me. When I grow up, I want to be just like Ken (Andy does too).

Finally, team 469 - You are the example of gracious professionals. Words can not express how much your unwaivering support of the ThunderChickens this year is appreciated. You let us invade your practice and build facility for almost 8 weeks and use your parts and tools like they were our own. Without us even asking, you brought us all of your support during eliminations and throughout the weekend and asked nothing in return. It makes a world of difference when we have friends like you.

To my team - we will talk tonight!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Congrats to all the teams, it was a pleasure to get to watch you guys play. Each of you had beautiful machines, and the alliances were well formed and executed perfectly. The back stories here are almost more impressive than the alliance itself and it is really a testament to what hard work, professionalisms, and dedication to their programs can do.

It was a pleasure watching this alliance, and a pleasure talking with all of you, way to go teams!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I think the Thunder Chickens have good luck with Canadian teams at Atlanta, 2006 with 296 and now 2008 with 1114.
Hope they come back to the GTR in the future

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Paul,

You couldn't screw this up for us. That's what was so special about this alliance, we won together and we lost together. This alliance felt like one giant team. Despite all the problems our three teams were having, there was never any finger pointing or blame. When one of us was down, the other two picked up the slack. It was by far the most cohesive alliance I've been a part of.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I have a lot that I could say but I'm going to keep this short.

1114-Simbotics, you have been one of my favorite teams over the past three years. I'm glad you have finally silenced the skeptics. Your '08 season is one that most of use could only dream of, and you got to live it.

217-Thunderchickens, one of my personal motto's has been "how can you not love a team named The Thunderchickens". I'm glad you guys got another World Championship, you proved that your season was no fluke.

148-Robowranglers, You surprised us all many weeks ago when you unveiled your bot and proved that a lap runner could still be a contender in this years game. You've acted as an inspiration to many teams who did not have the capabilities to hurdle.

Congrats to all of the others out there, it's been one awesome season.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

You can thank our drivers for that, they did an amazing job this year. We would have loved to played with you again, maybe next year. When I first saw your bot I was in awe, it looked so simple but it was so effective. You guys have an amazing design team to come up with something like that.

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I just wanted to point out this post I made a while before the championships.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...9&postcount=36

Since I guess I can predict the future, I should start buying stocks and lottery tickets :)

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

Three of the greatest teams in FIRST. I could not feel even a bit sad about losing to your alliance. We did not get the privilege of playing the thunderchickens until the finals, so that was the one thing I was a little sad about. We did get the pleasure of facing simbotics at midwest, and robowranglers at bayou. Any match against any of you is a scary match. I have a lot of respect for all three of your teams, and can not wait to do it again. I was glad we got to face you guys in the finals. That was one hell of a show!

Re: Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148
 

I just wanted to add a little bit more.

1114- Aside from having a really great robot, I believe the more important factor this year was your stellar drivers. I think some teams may very well have had a "better" robot, but no one could quite match the skill and composure of your drive team. You guys have been one of my favorite teams and I think you more than deserved to finally win the Championship after many hard fought seasons.

217- After driving with you guys at Great Lakes I can safely say you have one of the best robots in Overdrive. It's simple, it's ingenious, and it really gets the job done. Your drivers are also top notch and there are few coaches that can rival Paul. I loved working with you guys in Yipsilanti this past season and I hope we can do so again in the future. Congratulations on the much deserved second Championship win and thank you for representing Michigan so well. ;)

148- I'm a big fan of defense. At first I was very confused as to why 1114 and 217 would choose a lap bot, but seeing you guys play defense as well as you did blew me away. For being such a little robot it can really do some serious defense on those trackballs. Judging by how you guys played I think it really made a difference on Einstein, and 1114 and 217 wouldn't have been able to win without it.

Congrats to the two new Double Champ winners(217 and 148). And congrats to 1114 for finally winning Championships(I think you should have done so much sooner :D )

See you all in the off season.

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.