2009 Midwest Regional
 

So i see that 1114 is traveling down again, and the team list is looking strong as usual. Looks like it'll be the week one powerhouse again, i just gotta see if I can make it there

Current team list:
16
71
101
111
648
1000
1114
1525
1625 (woot)
1675
1739
1741
1755
1770
1781
2022
2115
2136
2151
2171
2338
2358
2462
2707
2709
2725
2739
2741
2769
2781

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Holy stacked regional batman. Should make for another great year of the midwest regional...

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

This is pretty much as predicted, considering all of the MI regionals are now locked out for most of us.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

2008 Midwest team list:

https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index....=2008&event=IL

I wouldn't link the strength of the team list to purely the new MI districts. If anything, the absence of 33, 503, 1024 and others from the 2009 list makes Midwest less competitive this year.

But of course, not all the spots have been taken yet.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Hey dude! Don't forget my team lol. Number 2741!

lol

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I think the DC regional is looking like a tough week 1 regional at this point as well. Let's see how things look in a few weeks.

Wetzel

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Wheee 1024! I really really enjoyed the Midwest regional last year, and I'm sure it will be just as much fun this year.

Speaking of which... I'm going to be attending the Midwest regional this year on Saturday (and perhaps Friday evening as well, provided I can find some room in one of the rooms for our team... hint hint 1024 CD-ers)... double Wheee!

-q

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Complete Team List (I think)

16
71
81
101
111
135
217
648
1000
1024
1091
1114
1327
1525
1625
1652
1675
1732
1739
1741
1755
1770
1781
1850
2014
2022
2039
2041
2112
2115
2136
2151
2171
2338
2358
2364
2381
2432
2433
2462
2490
2533
2709
2725
2739
2741
2769
2781
2803
2831
2939
2940
3030
3050
3061
3067
3107

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

One of the most stacked regionals I've ever seen. One of the toughest regionals this year if not the toughest. I know it's a week one competition but there should be some really intense matches in this one. The elimination matches will be amazing to watch. Can't wait to watch the webcast. Only 15 more days!!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Maybe, but it (nor most other recent regionals) doesn't even come close to Great Lakes back in the day.

Thanks to the wayback machine, here are the team lists
2002
2003

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

you can room w/ me alex! (qbranch for those of you who don't know him by name)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Unforuntately, 1038 won't be there to be the field reset crew, like last year.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

you forget we're youngins dave lol

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Midwest regional has been stacked for a while now, it has had many championship teams and teams that are always competitive even some new teams are as competitive as the best

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Haha! I remember those days. That was when I was in high school and back on the ThunderChickens. I'm happy to see them coming here to Chicago this year. It really will be an intense competition. I'm excited!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

This should be a very competitive regional as always.
See you in 1.6 days.



Don't be surprised when you see 2022... :yikes:

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Will there be a webcast?

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Overdrive MWR last year. Those great teams make it look like a week 4 or 5 regional instead of week #1!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I think the webcast will be on this link:

http://www.midwestfirst.org/live.php

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I was actually planning a road trip for this one, but then the wife reminded me that i have a wedding to go to. My son's. Geez, don't people know we are tied up this time of year.:)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Has anyone heard or know if the web cast will be working this weekend?

I heard WildStang (111) needed a seperate network drop to web cast the event.

Hope they get it working.

-Oris-

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

According to this post they believe they are all set:

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Where can I find the Midwest match schedule? (Or can someone at the Midwest Regional post the times in which 1625 plays?)

-thanks

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

match numbers and times for team 1625
9) 10:18
15) 10:54
21) 11:30
29) 1:36
42) 2:54
47) 3:24
60) 10:06
65) 10:36

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Midwest match schedule:
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/eve...edulequal.html

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Exactly how scary is 71?

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

So... where is the annual first day of 71's regional picture?

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

From what I have heard, 111 and 71 have rather similar robots. They do face each other in a match tomorrow so that should be interesting. It would be nice to see a photo though...

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

The only team that looked truly "scary" in practice was 1625. They were dumping full hopper loads of balls at will and moving effortlessly. Of course this all could change tomorrow but so far they look great. 111, 71, 217, and 1114 all look good, but not as devastating as everyone seemed to think they would be. This looks like a very difficult game for one robot to take over the whole thing.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

[quote=hill;818495]One of the most stacked regionals I've ever seen. One of the toughest regionals this year if not the toughest. QUOTE]

I agree that this maybe the toughest regional this year, but last years Great Lakes Regional was probably stacked in the way of Champion ship results. If I can remember the numbers right, 12-16 teams had won the national divison, einstien finals, or overall champions.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

With a match schedule like that my guess is that 71, 111, 217, 1625 and 1114 should all be in the top 8 without even breaking a sweat. I can only find one match where 71 goes against 111 and other than that they never meet. I wont be surprised if 4 of these teams end Qual's with perfect records.

Of course there's always room for a 1-3 year teem to cause an upset.

Should be an interesting regional.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

[EDIT] I was wrong. I mistook match 71 for team 71. [/EDIT]
71 faces 217 early Saturday/late Friday IIRC. (They are also together in 71's second match)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

what match do they face each other? I don't see that one.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Ah, my bad. 217 is just in Match 71, and at a glance I thought Match 71 = Team 71.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Why was this schedule made available last night?

We did not get one in KC last night.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

That's just how the cookie crumbles, I guess. I would read that rule more like "teams will get a match schedule BY friday morning". It's not like the MW teams have an advantage, they all got the schedule at the same time. They might be more prepared than KC teams, but since they don't compete against the KC teams this weekend, it doesn't matter.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

It's really not that big of a deal getting the schedule. It is more of a matter of consistency.

Week 1 is always fun.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

when do they start today?

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

First match is at 9:30 CT.
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/eve...edulequal.html

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Congrats Raul!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

To scouts and teams at the regional:
I'm testing my mathematically derived +/- stat after day one, and it'd be useful if you could compare this list with your observed numbers.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Gulp... 71 is scary!

I smell #5 coming down the road.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I would like to echo this statement.
Congratulations on the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award Raul! :)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

i guess i third it. it's about time he got that WFFA, congrats.

my prediction for tomorrow

71 chooses it's own destiny... 1114, 1625, and 111 are just sidekicks to the main event.

someone who is attending this regional once said something great
"never bet against the beast"
and that beast looks very hungry for #5...

71 was right after 1114 at the end of the day today... i saw both matches, i was impressed by the first match, but the second one... lets just say the beast is truly a beast this year

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

"Never bet against Beatty".... but never doubt Simbotics.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

ya never put simboitcs out they took on 3 robots by themselves and won 70 something to 60 something. There is a reason they where national champs last year

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

what are the alliance partners?

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

darkflame:

list of match schedule + alliances

http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/eve...eduleelim.html

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

thank you very much

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

what an upset...:eek:

Congrats 8th seed

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Upset happend simbotics just lost in the quarters to
RED BLUE R B
71 1000 1114 2041 1652 1732 78 82

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

How does that go with them beeing kicked out at the QFs?

Upset of the YEAR!!!!!! (Decade?)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

It was a close match and this is and upset but dont count them out for the rest of the season also. This is week one. Congratulations #8 alliance and good luck. Cant wait to see you guys simbotics in GTR. I am going to watch so year.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

It's not that big, different game, different bot, different outcomes.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Although, this year, I don't think there is a huge gaping chasm that separates 1114 (or any robot I've seen so far) from other teams like last year.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

this has happened before. 71, 1114, and 25 lost in the semis at IRI.

You win some, you lose some. I'm sure 1114 is taking a critical look at themselves and making plans to improve themselves tenfold for GTR and Atlanta.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I bet 1114 already has a few major modification ideas to improve the robot, that is just how all the top teams seem to stay on top. The robot is never finished and can always be better, the loss is just fuel for the fire. I suspect a much stronger robot in GTR. Congratulations to all the teams, the matches have been very close and exciting!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Congrats Winnovation, Wildstang, and UPS!!! Great stuff, this regional was a blast to watch. 1625 and 1675, can't wait to see you guys in Milwaukee.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

what a close competition that was.
the elimination rounds were very exciting to watch.

Congratulations to teams 111, 1625, and 1675 on your well deserved regional win. you guys all had strong machines and fought hard to clinch the victory.
i must say, i personally was cheering for 1625 all along. you guys really impressed me this year.

also, congratulations to teams 135, 2039, and 2338. you also showed an amazing performance to make your way to the finals. you put up some great scores, and you should all be proud of your accomplishments. I would like to point out that team 2338 was seeded 47th after qualifying rounds, so all of you teams out there who get discouraged by a tough match schedule, or just plain bad luck... remember that its not all about where you've ranked.

also, I'd like to thank Dave Flowerday and Wildstang for hosting the Webcast for all of us at home to watch. the few technical problems that came up were quickly sorted out and you were a great help keeping every one of us in that chat in line.

Congratulations to all the teams that competed at this regional. and a big thanks to all the volunteers who made sure this competition went smoothly. you guys did a great job.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

This regional was everything I thought it would be. The elimination Matches were so exciting and I was happy that 1625, 111 and 1675. I too was pulling hard for Winnovation and I was happy to see them come out on top!

Congrats to finalists 2039, 135 and 2338, you guys were great.

Also, Congrats again to 1625 for winning the Chairman's Award. It just shows how great of a team you are. You guys came close in Colorado last year and I bet it feels good to come home and win it on your turf.

I also went to extend a big congrats to Raul and Wildstang for winning the Woodie Flowers award on Friday and following it up today with a Regional Championship.

1114, 217, 71, and many others also have a ton to be proud off. So many people were watching this regional and now its no secret what you all are bringing to your next regionals and championship. You will be a force to be reckoned with the entire way to Einstein.

For a week 1 regional, or any regional for that matter, this one was awesome! Congrats to all teams. :)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Add my thanks to 111 and Dave Flowerday for the webcast. I hated having to leave this morning (day job called) but the webcast let me keep up.

Congrats to all the competitors. Midwest is a great event, and it was an honor for me be there as a volunteer.

BTW: webcasts also helped me keep up with my own team, 931 Perpetual Chaos, as they finished on the winning alliance at the Greater Kansas City regional. This was their first-ever regional win! :)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Congratulations to 111, 1625, and 1675! 111 you came so close last year and I was beyond thrilled to see you take the whole thing this year!

Congrats also to teams 1732, 2041 & 1652! 1732, you've been one of my "watch 'em" teams since you were rookies! 2041, between last year and this, you've shown you're a force to be reckoned with! And 1652, for a team that had not been on my radar in the past, I'll be watching you guys from now on!

1114, you guys put up some serious numbers all weekend and were great fun to watch. I know that we'll watch you at Toronto, new and improved and ready to take home the gold there!

Raul, you've been one of the mentors who has inspired me for years now, and I am beyond thrilled to see you will Woodie Flowers. I would love to see you go on and take the Championship title as well!

And Dave Flowerday, thank you a million times over for webcasting the event. I have a midterm Monday and could not get down to Chicago to see, so I was thrilled that I could still watch. You were phenomenal at fixing the webcast every time it fluked, thank you thank you, thank you!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Congrats to the Champs: 111, 1625, and 1675. 1114, 217 and 71. You guys were beasty, man I was trembling watching you guys. You guys rock. Does anyone have any you tube vids to post up, thebluealliance.net should have them up soon?

Thanks everyone for the webcast btw.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Did anyone else notice how good team 2022's human player was? She scored like 5 super cells in elims. Not to mention the 40 footer she landed in 1625 as time expired.

Special thanks to 111 and 1625 for making an amazing alliance.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

We were making comments about that in the stands. I was just amazed at that 40 footer!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

That shot was amazing. I am still amazed that our robot was able to push Wildstang around. We have a 1 CIM drivebase, they have a 4 CIM drivebase with active traction control.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

You guys definately made wildstangs life a little tougher. That third match between us was the most nervous I've been in a while.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

That third match was really a great match between our alliances.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

We had 3 really good matches with Wildstang/Winnovation/UPS. Anyone know when video's will be up?

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I would bet by wensday by the latest.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I have some video from down by the field- I have to see if the quality's any good, but if it is I'll post here. Those matches were really intense & IRS has a brilliant human player! :ahh:

Midwest was an absolutely amazing regional as usual. THANK YOU 111 & 1625. Winnovation it was a pleasure to work with you again & we will see you in Milwaukee! It was a blast cheering with everyone in the stands as we watched the matches, I think I lost my voice & thank you mascots for all the dancing.

Congratulations to all the teams at the event, I can't wait to see how the other regionals turn out! Good luck to all- thank you for an awesome regional. :D

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Awesome, fast paced, GREAT gameplay by Ultimate WinnoStang! Looks like my money was on the right alliance! :yikes:

Thank you guys for showing me this game CAN be just as exciting as last year's game. I was worried until the finals matches proved me wrong. I was literally on the edge of my seat. (and off of it jumping up and cheering :D)

And thanks to all teams for doing an awesome job competing. I brought two of my friends up with me this weekend who have never seen a FRC competition before, you really showed them a good time. They want to be mentors now! Way to go! :ahh:

To 1024: I wish you best of luck getting the kinks worked out of the robot. As always, my inbox is always open if there's anything I might be able to (remotely) help out with.

And to everyone from MWR I didn't get to say hi to, Hi! :]

-q

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

It's generally a good idea to put money on an alliance where "stang" is part of the name..

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Going into the midwest regional this year, I was thinking it would be hard to top the experience we had last year. That perception changed by day one. It was a pleasure finally getting to meet so many of the people behind the local teams and those coming from afar. Its sad that the weekend flew by as fast as it did.

Congrats teams 111 1625 & 1675. It was good to see the more local teams defending their home turf this year :) .

1732: Thanks for having us on your alliance. Your team first showed up on my radar after its performance at midwest in 2007. When I saw your team listed among those attending the regional, I knew you were a team to watch out for. It was great working with you guys.

1652; Thanks for rounding out this truly special alliance. It was really fun discussing our strategy with you guys. I am looking forward to seeing how your team develops and I hope you will make the trip down to MWR next year.

Pops, congrats once again on your regional WFA. You are the one who got me into FIRST and have always served as a model on how to guide my team.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

My GOD, what an amazing regional this year!

Congrats to Wildstang, Winnovation, and UPS...you guys had some great robots and deserved to win. Also, thanks for the competitive matches in the Semi-Finals. We had a lot of fun beating you guys for that one match (weren't you suprised???)

Thanks to the ThunderChickens and the all girls rookie team for being a great alliance. We enjoyed partnering up with you guys and being the only alliance to best Wildstang, winnovation, and UPS for one match. :-)

Congrats to Raul for the WFFA!

Thanks to team 1114 for helping us with our autonomous. It's a shame you guys didn't make it farther in the elims.

Finally, Thanks to all the members of team 2022. We had every piece of bad luck thrown at us this weekend and we still managed to pull through with an awesome bot. Especially congrats to our payload specialist, Ashley. You really kept us alive several times out there and have earned a years supply of Jamba Juice!

Our bot is completely ready for the Milwaukee Regional now. So for those of you who are going to be there, BEWARE, because IRS 2022 is coming for you!!!

2022 is not a force to be reckoned with....

-Caitlin

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

You're close, but not quite correct. At IRI in 2006, everyone thought that the alliance of 25, 1114, and 33 was going to win it all. In an epic semi-final round, 71, 1625, and 910 took down the giants. I think it was the first time at IRI that Beatty was the crowd favorite; I remember the entire crowd rooting for the local alliance to beat the 'outsiders.'

For all the hype surrounding 71, 111, 217, and 1114 at the Midwest regional, I believe the best performing robot at the event was 1625. The other teams may make some improvements or get more practice, but the star at MWR was Winnovation. They've turned into a regional power and will hopefully become better known across the country; they have consistently turned out amazing robots the past few years.

And holy cow, what was with the HP from 2022? Her ability to score super cells single-handedly changed our strategy for the last 30 seconds of each sem-finals match.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Actually mike, I believe Stu was talking about IRI 2005, where 1114, 71, and 25 were on the alliance. they were taken down in the semi's when 25's arm broke off...

anyways back on topic, I forgot to congratulate 1625 on their Chairmans win. again, you have proved to be an impressive team this year and i wish you all the best of luck at your upcoming competitions.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

1625 was the best robot at the competition, its amazing how far simplicity can get you. 1625 robot was just a pure simple dumper, you can tell they spent a long time perfecting their dumping mechanism when they got in position and unleashed on a goal it was scary how quickly they filled up a goal. 1625 continues to impress everyone in FIRST, with their Chairman's award they are convincing everyone that they are a special team.

watching both 1114 and 217 at midwest, there is a ton of untapped potential in both of those robots. I expect with a couple more regionals and some programing time with their practice bots both of these teams are going to be scary good come Atlanta.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

No, he's definitely talking about IRI 2006 when the number one alliance of 25, 1114 and 33 was taken out by our fifth seed alliance of 71, 1625 (us) and 910. That was the biggest upset I have ever seen. A little personal bias though. I'll never forget those matches. This one in particular:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtkW3V7IEGs

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

1114 and 217 came out strong and played the game terrifyingly well. Being down on the field with both of these teams was frigtening. With the randomness and circumstances of the game that many teams couldn't overcome, 1114 and 217 did amazing. They have great robots and great teams. When these teams come to Atlanta, I would hate to have to face off against them.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

incorrect. I am in fact talking about 2005. However, as far as upsets go, 2006 was huge. One penalty in the second match killed us, and you guys rallied back hard for an impressive upset in the rubber match.

now, back on topic. I couldn't go to Midwest this year, so I'm looking for more stories :p

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

1114 was an amazing bot and I only wish that we could have been with them instead of against them! The entire team 135 would like to thank our amazing alliance partners 2039 and 2338 for their help.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

maybe someone will have a picture of the arbor press that was part of one of the robots :yikes:

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I completely agree with Mike. There may not be a scarier sight this year than 1625 with a full load of balls in their robot. Time after time they would load their robot in autonomous and score 20 balls within the first 15 seconds of the match. It was very, very impressive.

Midwest was fun weekend for 1114. Even though things didn't play out the way we had hoped the entire team still had a blast. Special thanks go out to:

Team 71 - It was an honour to be picked by and play with you guys. Your team has set the standard that all FIRST teams aspire to you, and seeing your team in action really made it clear why that is.

Teams 1732, 2041, 1652 - That was a great Quarterfinal match up we had. Your teams ran a great strategy and definitely deserved that win. When we saw the elimination bracket we knew we would be in tough seeing this pairing of very underrated teams.

Team 217 - It's always a blast to be at an event with you guys. Thanks for all the support you gave us throughout the weekend, whether it be in the pits, on the field or in the stands.

Teams 111, 1625, 1675 - Congratulations on a well deserved win. These three teams won not only because they had great robots, but they executed perfectly. The teams performed fluidly, never getting in the way of each other. (Something most alliances could not say)

Raul Olivera - Congrats on a long, long overdue WFFA. You're one of the original rockstars in the this program, and have inspired many people, including myself.

Finally for all those debating the IRI upsets, let's clear this up:

IRI 2005 - 1114, 71, 25 are defeated by 330, 980 & 56 in the semis
IRI 2006 - 25, 1114, 33 are defeated by 1625, 71, 910 in the semis

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

There was also:

5)1024 1625 1126 defeating 1)0016 1114 2056 last year at IRI in semis.


Great looking robot and I am sure that 1126 will be seeing a different 1114 in Toronto in a few weeks.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

That was ingenius. They weighed 50 lbs at official inspection so they added the press and it brought them to 112! They were much more able to hold their own after that.

I think the biggest surprise was the semifinal upset of the beast and simbotics, lots of money lost over that one. :P

A close second was the amazing performance of RoboPRIDE, winners of the rookie inspiration and highest rookie seed awards. That team is going places in years to come.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

I need to see a picture of this!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

2781, Queen of Peace Catholic Girls High School will be one of the teams to watch in the future. Burbank is a suburb just west of Chicago. This rookie team showed incredible desire, team drive and understood the game and strategy. I had a chance to watch them closely right across from the inspection station. They remind me of the only all girls team in Minnesota, The Robettes of Visitation High School of Mendota.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Talking of the Robettes, does anyone know how they performed? I remember them having a lot of trouble at our local pre-ship..

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thank's again RoboPride and ThunderChicken's for picking us.

MWR was very fun this year. I can't wait to see the video's.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thanks for the teams that picked us for the Alliance. Our team was real down when we ended up in 47th place... string of some bad matches and bad luck. We came back though... all the way to the finals!

Thanks again team 135 Penn Robotics and 2039 Rockford Robotics, and we look forward to seeing you Rockford Robotics up in Milwaukee for the Wisconsin Regional.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

THANK YOU to teams 135 Penn Robotics and 2039 Rockford Robotics for an AWESOME alliance! Thanks for having faith in a team that had bad luck in qualifying but knew it had a competitive 'bot - I hope we did you proud.

Thanks and congrats to 1625, 1675, and 111 - you put on an awesome show and brought the punishment. Super-congrats to Winnovation on the Chairman's award - every part of your team's organization is awe-inspiring - and thanks for having us and all the Caterpillar teams over for "Bago-Bots" this Fall! We still have so much to learn from you.

Watching the last 10 seconds of that last finals match on BlueAlliance is heartbreaking yet encouraging - one little juke and we might have lived to a rubber match! SO looking forward to Milwaukee...

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

They were in KC this weekend, not Midwest. Looking at the FIRST website, it looks like they did well (10th after qualifications and quarter finalists).

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Robettes also got the Judges' award :) !

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thanks, it was so much fun to play against you and Rockford since we knew your teams so well! Between the teams that came to the Bago Ball Blitz, various demonstrations we went to, or the camp we had last summer, we were cheering for someone we knew almost every match.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thank you very much. I enjoyed being at Midwest and seeing our team compete. A special thanks to 111, Wild Stang, and 1675, U.P.S. It was awesome having you guys for an alliance. See you in Atlanta!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Special thanks to 111 and 1625 for making an amazing alliance.[/quote]

Thank you 1675. You guys played awesome defense. Can't wait to play with you again at Milwaukee!:)

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thank you. It was an honor to play with you guys and win the title. We could not have done it without you and 1675. It was a blast!!!:yikes: See you all in Atlanta!

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Thanks 2041, 1652 for making up this alliance with us. We were really surprised that both of you were still available to be picked.

Re: 2009 Midwest Regional
 

Wow, what a ride!!

Thanks to Wildstang for putting together a great alliance and UPS for being a great partner. Congrats Raul on the Woody Flowers award.

Congratulations to the GDC for putting together a game with so many facets, all of which I don't think have been fully explored yet.

Some of the anticipatory talk about Midwest was concerned with the effect of a few top tier robots and the rest of the field. There may have been some evidence of disparate performamce levels during practice and early qualification rounds but any significant gap diminished greatly as teams stepped up performance of robots, understanding of game play / successful strategy, the value of driving skill in accumulation / scoring and defense / pinning, and the importance of good human players (that IRS girl!!). This was defintively proven in elimination rounds with the early departure of the #1seed, escorted out by #8. Congrats to all teams for stepping up and making Midwest a VERY competitive regional.

There was no team there without an achilles heel in their ball flow path, ours included, we were lucky enough to be able to minimize ours to prevail over three other alliances, and not by large margins. Tough fights were put up by the Kilobytes and 2358 & 3067 in Qtr finals, Thunder chickens, Robo pride & 2022 in the semi's (Paul, great job coaxing every ounce of performance out of your alliance, you had us worried for a while, hope you enjoyed the Dew), and 135, 2039 (Adam & Rockford robotics great performance) & 2338 Oswego in the finals, close matches as well.

Simbots & Thunder chickens fast turrets have significant advantage in omnidirectional ball delivery, very important in not having to be perfectly aligned to deliver balls. This combined with what I am sure will be improved ball acquisition / avoidance of defensive pinning by their teams will put them back on top of the game so watch out for them in the future!

Fast dumpers can perform very well, 71, 111 & ourselves included, as long as you can acquire balls quickly and keep free (not get stuck in a non-scoring position in a scrum) especially in endgame when that last score can make all the difference.

So many other great teams!! Chicago Knights, congratulations on the Engineering Inspiration award! You do so much for other teams, ours included (showing that there is so much more to FIRST than having the best bot), and no one deserves it more. The young women of 2781, Robo Pride, are one of the classiest teams I have met and have shown that the game doesn't always have to be played to the lowest common denominator, thank you for your gracious professionalism.

It will be hard to top this experience but we are all looking forward to seeing many of you in Milwaukee and at Championships in Atlanta!!

Scott Hill