2009 Lone Star Regional
 

A giant TEXAS size welcome to all teams that will be participating at the upcoming Lone Star Regional. This year it will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, downtown Houston. Plenty of attractions, hotels and parking.

http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/

We are a week 5 regional. Dates are Thursday March 26 to Saturday March 28.

I would also like to welcome back to Texas, teams 34, 462, 1421 and 1710, as well as all the rookie teams (16). This should be a very competitive and exciting regional.

Good luck to all teams, and we will see you in March.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

With so many teams from Dallas rolling over right back into the Houston regional, I think this will be a very interesting and great competition. I look forward to seeing all of the teams, robots, and meeting other great Texans!

-Parker

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

i cant wait to go back there. After missing it last yr. with my old team 457. Im coming back with a rookie team. I think its going to be a great competition with the mix of all the rookie and vertans returning. Look to see all the teams there. Good Luck to all the teams attending

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

2009 is the year of the Texas Shoot-Out. I'm excited. Looking forward to playing against old friends and making new ones.

-John

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I am impressed with the number of Texas Teams :D Last year, the Houston Regional had 46 teams. Now Houston has 50 teams and Dallas is approaching 50 as well. DOUBLE the Texas TROUBLE !

Rookies are going to need tremendous support in Texas. Especially a few of the new teams which are hundreds of miles from another veteran FIRST team.

Right now the txfirst.org website is putting up lots of Training information between Houston and Dallas to help teams along with local workshops ! Nov 8th we have a workshop with FRC#499 and the Beta Controller, please RSVP !
http://houston.txfirst.org/node/56

I'm curious to know which teams are supporting the new rookies. Does anyone have success stories of Veteran connections with the 2009 Rookie teams ?

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

So ...... What's up with the 2009 Lone Star Regional Thread ?

You guys all sleeping or what?

Were comming all the way from Athens AL to see you all (It's been a few years). Hope you perk up a little B4 we get there. :D

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Hi Ed. :)
Traditionally, the Texas threads are slow, quiet, and short.

But also, traditionally, the teams have a great time at Lone Star. It's a fun regional and has been known to have some pretty exciting moments.

It's already gotten more exciting knowing that you guys will be pulling into town ready for some competition action.

I'm looking forward to it! Let me know if you guys need anything.

Jane

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I cant wait to go to Lone Star. After what i see at the oklahoma and dallas regional and all the teams coming to lone star i am very exicted. Good Luck to all the teams going and i cant wait to play with all of you in competition. See Ya There in 10 days and counting down.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Due to finacial reasons, team 1710 won't be able to attend the Lone Star Regional. Thanks for the welcome anyway and we'll see you guys in Atlanta!
=]

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

We are looking forward to seeing all of you next week. There are 24 Rookie Teams at the Lone Star Regional. Kudos to NASA/JSC for web casting the regional. The web page will be posted on the FIRST and NASA education web sites. See you next week!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Lone Star will be great again this year. With 63 team (4th largest regional), there will be a lot of fun and exciting competiton. Can't wait to see the Dallas winners, 418 and 148.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Oh I'm exited to see 34 and their awesome swerve coming down to texas to visit us! be on the lookout for the guy with the DLSR attacking your robot!:p

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I kind of slept and ended up in Dallas... As for this thread, LSR should be pretty interesting this year. The venue will be much better so more room with the people that know what their doing running it, this will be the regional of envy.

Dallas proved the Texas Curse true, as the #1 seed lost an intense and close fight in the finals so there is talk of the curse possibly moving from Houston to Dallas.

As for where I lie, everyone knows robonaut blood runs in my veins so I'll be watching pretty closely, but I have an eye out for my Dallas Wranglers, and watch out for the KAOS coming from Galena Park!

This should be good! Good luck all!

Pavan

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Andrew,
We've been providing support to team #3103, the team from Duchesne Academy for about half a year. :)

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Since 457 had school problems, the team got cancelled so all of our mentors went to 2745.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I remember riding on a bus to Atlanta with 457 in 2007, I'm saddened to see a seasoned FRC team fall into problems. I hope 457 the Grease Monkeys come back around next year ! I'm glad to hear the mentors are still around but I would like to see South San stick around in FIRST !

That's fantastic. I was worried about 2585 (Bellaire HS) until I saw you guys at the scrimmage in Houston, congrats on becoming an Alliance Captain in Dallas. I'm also excited to hear you are mentoring !

See you guys at LSR !

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Yeah, we are actually a bit worried about next year because the majority of our current members are seniors...but we'll try to recruit more members for next year.

Thanks man :)

Yeah, it's pretty cool working with them (Team 3103-Duchesne Academy) because one of their members is actually the daughter of one of our mentors so its all good. They've been doing BEST for a while, so it was a smooth transition for them.

Definitely! I'm counting down already (4 more days!)

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

The regional should be amazing! Can't wait to see 2587 in action after the scrimmage at the beginning of the year! 148 and 418 should be pretty interesting too, after their win at Dallas! See ya'll there!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Thanks!

I heard you guys didn't do too bad yourself! 148, and 418 winners from Dallas, and 624 and 1477 winners from Bayou.
This will be interesting to see how it plays out...

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Congrats to 1477 and 624 for their wins at Bayou. They made an unstopable and high scoring alliance there. Looks like the competiton bar has been raised again.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I can't recall a time we've had a Lone Star Regional with 4 teams already having won a regional. This will be something!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Yup.
Having regionals develop in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and now Dallas, can only be good for teams in areas of the south and moving further west. Texas is such a big state, it's good to see 2 regionals now. And in one season, we are already feeling the impact of change. Very very cool for the teams that will be competing and for those perhaps thinking about coming to Texas for some good ole friendly competition in the years to come.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Now we need a Regional in Austin! :)

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Yup, or San Antonio. :)

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Hold 'yer tongue on that one for now. I'd like to see more teams grow in the area before one shows up in Austin; one in San Antonio might be positioned much better.

However, an off-season scrimmage in Austin would be just what the doctor asked for... ;)

-Danny

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Neg rep me if you wish. But I don't think having a regional where Rookies 1:1 veterans is a good thing. I'm for new teams but throwing them all out like that on the field without any help or knowlege hurts. Kitty Litter came to our workshop and before that, was literally a kit of parts, not up to electrical code or even working/moving as were some of the other top 15 seeds that came to the competition.

If there were enough vets to help out rookies to do 1:1 I wouldn't mind as much [I woud still mind a little], but that's me. I hope no new regionals come to Texas until Lone Star and Dallas make their presence.

Pavan

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I'm not sure why anyone would ever negative rep a thoughtful post like this one, Pavan.

In some ways, Texas can listen and learn from regions that have developed programs to help pre-rookies and rookies. Scrimmages, off seasons, workshops. There is plenty of room in Texas to develop and grow in all of the FIRST programs and that includes the FRC program. There is plenty of room for us to grow in strengthening the networking, communication, and working together of the established teams towards helping each other and assisting future teams in becoming stable and sustainable.

There is more to having a successful FRC program up and running than just starting rookie teams, that's for sure.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I'm pumped for the Lone Star Regional. Team 34 hasn't been there in a long time, and I've never been either. I've only got another 24 hours before we'll be on the 14 hour bus ride i think. Can't wait to meet some new teams!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I am looking forward to seeing our '07 alliance partners from the Bayou again. It has been a while since 34 has been to LSR. But if I am right, they were champs here in '02 and '03. I know they will be bringing another great machine with them.

They were RCA's at Peachtree last year, and if they are presenting at LSR this year, they will be a tough act to follow.

See you in 48 hours.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I think doubling the # of teams in a state is a bit fast for one state. The real results will show by how many teams return for next year.

Take a look at this thread talking about the turnover of a few Texas teams, http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=67176

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Good luck to all teams participating in the Lone Star Regional. From experience with competing against and as alliance partners with, I know that you will have a firm competition.
Best of luck to all teams!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Folks traveling,
Keep an eye on the weather as you travel and bring your rain gear, there may be showers. The temps should be mid-70s to 80.

I head towards Houston tomorrow and am looking forward to seeing everyone and enjoying a fantastic competition.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

A lot of this growth is related to foundation type support of partner schools with a multi-year commitment to financial support so we likely won't see heavy attrition due to lack of financial support. It is a dimishing support model so all of these teams will start wading into the deeper end of the sustainability pool starting in August.

So major Kudos goes out to the group of new and existing volunteers at the regional events as well as the many veteran FRC teams that are pitching in to help make the first FIRST experience for many of these rookies a positive and rewarding experience.

I also don't think FIRST and key volunteers in Texas are looking to add regional events for the sake of having more. It is a two or three year effort to put in place the needed volunteers and sponsorships to support and operate these events. So it may be another two or three years before a third regional comes to life. Which is a good thing:]

Not to be lost in this discussion is that FTC went from 18 teams and one championship event the last two years to 54 teams and two championship events this year. Quick math indicates a tripling the number of FTC teams in the State. A few veteran FTC teams in Texas actually have just finished their Texas Two Step of Arlington and San Antonio:D

Short and Sweet plenty of opportunities for Chairman's Award efforts by all with alot of that already happening via the community of FIRST teams.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

woooohoooo! HOWDY! Good to see former teams back in Lonestar....Goodluck to all teams this is going to be fun, intresting, and exciting! I cant wait to see what is possible.....Team 231 High Voltage welcomes all!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Team 2468 is excited to be coming back to Houston for LSR. We have seen some of the other teams at OKC and Dallas. 148 put the hammer down on us with the help of 418 scoring the super cell on us.

Chaos was in OKC with us as the two lone representatives from Texas.

Best of luck to everyone and be safe on the road.

Oh by the way, we noticed some of the Lynca's scouts up in Dallas last week.

Big Thanks to Lynca for all the updates, reminders and information he sends out.

Good luck to our mentors from last year: 418 and 2158.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Anybody watching Lonestar today? I'm very impressed by the caliber of the teams there as a whole.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Friday of the Lone Star was pretty good. There is definately some good robots, especially the defending world champions 148. There design is great. Team 34 is ranked 8th right now and we are ready for tomorrow. Good luck to everyone

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

There are lot of teams here with some spunk and skill...Lonestar is where all the action is!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Congratulations Teams 2587,704, and 1421!!

Congratulations Discobots for being Alliance Captains :)

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Yeah 704. Great group of people. Congratulations to The Discobots, Team Chaos, and the Warriors.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Woot! Congrats to Lewis and all of 418 for THREE Regional awards. WFA and RCA. Congrats!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

go LASA!!! . . and yes between 2 regionals they got a "triple crown" ( WFA, RCA, Game).

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

The regional was a great event complete with awesome performances with a touch of drama and suspense!

I took photos at the event (I was one of the photogs running around the field) and I'm making them royalty-free for FRC team use. Here's the link:

http://www.crakephotography.com/FIRST%20FRC

There are two galleries - one of robots in starting positions on the field. I didn't start taking complete sets until the afternoon, so I'm sure I'm missing a few (sorry!). The other gallery is everything else: lots of driver shots, field shots, set up, and some pit and crowd shots.

Enjoy!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Great job to all teams involved, it was a really intense regional!

Congratulations to teams 704 (Warriors), 1421 (Chaos), and 2587 (Discobots)!!! Those last matches were so intense, it was a pleasure competing against you guys. And 1421, I'm glad that you got your revenge on us after Bayou, we will see you at Nationals!

Thanks to teams 3028 (Nice Young Men) and 3103 (Iron Plaid), our rookie alliance partners who helped us get SO far! Finals were amazing, and you guys were so easy to work with!

Also, good job to team 418 on winning both the Chairman's Award AND Woodie Flowers, not to mention being number 1 seed! You are an amazing team, and we hope to see you again at Nationals and next year!

A special shoutout to the DJs! They played Kyptonite when we got up to play and were extremely friendly and amicable, we hope to see them next year!

Judges, referees, and all the officials were extremely friendly, and I just want to thank them for such a great regional!

Can't wait to see 1477, 2173, 148, 418, 1421, 704, and 2587 at Nats, ya'll are all great teams with great 'bots.

See everyone at 2010 LSR!!!!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

That regional was amazing. I drove for team 704 in 2004 and 2006, and came close to winning but never did. I am now a college student at UT Austin, and mentor. I was at both Dallas and Lone Star regionals helping the team. Our victory yesterday will send our team to the championship for the first time.

Firstly, thank you to all of the volunteers and judges that make these events possible, its a great deal of hard work and their dedication is fundamental to the way the FIRST operates.

We also want to thank our alliance captain 2587, and partner 1421 for being amazing teammates. Our teams really connected and I believe the teamwork was key to our success.

There were so many other amazing robots and teams there. Our opponents in the finals, 3038, 624 and 3103 all earned their place there and put up an amazing, penalty free performance.

Congratulations to LASA for the "Triple Crown" as its known.

We enjoyed working with 148 as well, and hope our paths cross in Atlanta.

There was so much talent, dedication, and innovation from many teams at Lone Star and Dallas, both veterans and rookies at both events were exemplary.

We hope to see you in Atlanta!

-Taylor Ratliff

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Thanks to 704 and 1421 for being fantastic alliance partners. Our scouting team was stunned when we saw both teams were still available at the 5th seed pick.

I've been getting a few questions about the 2nd match of Finals where the DiscoBots robot did not function properly. The screw terminals for the power connector to the cRio vibrated loose so the wire did not make a solid connection. I would encourage all teams to tighten those screws carefully, thanks to Joe H. from NI for finding this problem!

Lone star had a mix of struggling kit-bots and powerhouse robots. Luckily many of the great teams assisted all of those kit-bots into moving working autonomous robots.

I really enjoyed the George R. Brown Convention Center, it's huge!!!! I could definitely see Championship moving back to Houston in the George R. Brown Convention Center!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Chaotic Disco Warriors FTW!!!

Ha.. Team 704 had SO much fun this week.. and we can't wait to do it all again at NAT. This regional just had so much energy.. It just made it THAT much better. Thanks to the WHOLE alliance, I think you guys really played with everyone's strengths and pushed through till the end!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I had a GREAT time in Houston. Love the new facility, and I really enjoyed getting to see a lot of our Texas friends again.

Big thank you to Team 418. When I heard you were #1 it brought a big smile to my face. You guys are class acts. Thanks for picking us, it was an honor to work with you again. We had a great time with you, I just wish it could have gone on for a little longer... ;)

Also want to thank Team 1865. You guys were very high on my list, especially after the great qualification match we had together. It was a pleasure working with you. Your entire team played like professionals. When I heard the 418 Alliance Captain call your number I just started chanting "ohhhhhhhh yeah!".

Thanks to 118 for continuing to be great friends. I know I speak for all of 148 when I say "we love the Robonauts." I'm extremely glad we got the chance to play together this weekend, even if it was only for a qualification match. It was fun to hang out with you guys again. We really appreciate your "assistance" with our robot. HA! Hope you enjoyed the "improvements" we made to yours.

Kudos to 34, 57, and 1429. What a great quarter-final series! You guys played awesome and deserved to advance. It was a pleasure playing against you. Hopefully we'll get the opportunity again sometime soon... ;)

Big congratulations to 704, 1421, and 2587. You guys played like Champions and deserved the hard-fought win. I'm especially happy for 704. You guys are great friends, and 148 is extremely proud to see you bring home the big trophy!

Special Congratulations to Tony Bertucci from 418 on the WFFA!
You sir, are the man. It has been a pleasure getting to know you over the past few months (first at Maker Faire, and now in Dallas and Houston.) Coaching along side you and working with you has made it clear to me what a positive role model you are. Thanks for all you do.

I'm very proud of the 148 students and I'm excited for ATL.

-John

PS - It is nice to be a part of FIRST down here in Texas. After 3 seasons I'm starting to realize just how great it really is.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I'm personally hoping the Championship event will move to the new Cowboys stadium in Dallas - thats what the rumor is anyway.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

=0

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

I was taught the Superman dance yesterday and I loved it. The team that taught me was so much fun to work with and very patient. By the end of the day, I was told that I had 'improved and gotten faster'.

I failed to remember the team name or number so if anyone from the team reads this, please fuss at me and tell a little bit about yourselves. You guys were great fun and awesome teachers.

There may be another post in a day or two but I want some time to think about it. So much was going on and so many incredible people and teams made this regional rock - it needs to sift down and settle a bit.

But - I learned the Superman dance. Woohoo!

Congratulations, everyone.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Wow. Had a great time at the Lone Star regional. The two 14-hour bus rides was totally worth it! Team 34 had an awesome time in Houston.

Every team there was awesome!! I wanna congratulate Team 418, who sat behind us during the regoinal, for their "Triple Crown". The elimination rounds between our alliance and yall's were amazing.

Congratulations to every team who got an award!! And thanks to our alliance partners!! It was great to have Team 57 The Leopards on our alliance again. We did great.

Hope to see everyone next year

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

We got up very early Sat am to leave the "Land of Dial-Up" (my parents') and return home to the "Land of Broadband" so we could see the Lonestar elimination matches. (Robot-driver-Harley with her foot to the floor of the Prius all the way.)

It was very exciting (the drive and the tournament). Congratulations to all the great competitors and award winners. Speaking on behalf of the Bomb Squad, we wish we could have been there.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

It would have been great to have Bomb Squad there, Meredith! You guys would have loved the new venue and added to the excitement and sometimes deafening roars of the crowd, for sure.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Congratulations to 2587, 704, 1421! You proved to be an unstoppable alliance. I knew the Discobots would be formidable when Andrew first posted their pictures. It was great getting to know the Warriors. What a great looking and solid robot. Chaos, you were tough at Bayou and took it all the way at Lone Star. See you in Atlanta!

Thank you 441 for picking us as your ally. We were honored and excited to play beside you and 2583. Wish we could have made the ride longer. Hats off to 922, 2936 and 2979 for your great teamwork and strategy.

It was great seeing our old friends and making new ones. Thanks to Lucia and all the Lone Star staff and volunteers for such a successful and exciting event. The new venue was excellent. We had a great time and look forward next year!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

[quote=JVN;842402]


Thanks John. After getting an upclose look at 148's robot during inspection, I can honestly say I have never seen such a precisely built machine. The CAD work and planning must have been incredible. You guys definately deserved the G.M. Industrial Design Award.

I can't wait to see you again in Atlanta. This time I would like to be play with you instead of against.

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

We would like to extend a big thanks to our alliance partners 118 and 1801. We could not have asked for a better alliance! If not for our stuck chain the last match we just may have taken it all!

Big congratulations to 704, 1421, and 2587! You guys did an amazing job!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Hey, Dan!

Yeah, I really thought we were gonna do it, too. You guys were great, and you had a very strong machine. Well, we gave it all we had.

Gratz to the champs. Our scouts were almost in pain when 2587, 704, and 1421 all hooked up for the finals and told us they would be the team to beat. Gratz on a smart draft and such heads up play throughout.

We also enjoyed being on an alliance with 118 and being part of their thousand man army. It was a great experience, and it gave us a different outlook on quite a few things. Oh, and the BBQ spuds were really good, too!

vic

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Thanks to everyone for their congratulations! This has been the golden year for LASA robotics, taking home more trophies than ever before, and for the first time ever: winning Dallas, going undefeated 1st seed, and winning the WFA and CMA at Houston. It has been such an honor to finally achieve the "triple crown" across the Dallas and Houston regionals.

Special thanks go out to Team 148 for selecting us to take the Dallas regional win, and then partnering again with us at Lone Star. It has been an honor working with the defending world champions across 2 regionals, we learned a lot from you.

Teams at Houston with especially impressive robots included 148, 118, 1801, 704, and 624. Ya'll's robots were amazing. A special congratulations to winners in Houston, those were some exiting matches to watch. The venue was certainly one of the best that Lone Star had been hosted at, wide, open, and accessible. I would have to complain about it being on the 3rd floor of the convention center though...
thanks everyone! I cant wait to see ya'll at Championships!!

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Andy

Congratulations to your team as well as your Alliance partners 704 and 1421. It was a hard fought Finals but you all deserved the win and we were happy to have had the chance to compete with you.

2587 has rapidly developed into an excellent team in all aspects and I wish you all continued success.

Hope to see you in Atlanta

Re: 2009 Lone Star Regional
 

Lone Star Regional at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

This post is going to be a little different in the fact that it will be celebrating different aspects of the regional success besides the winning alliances that brought home the gold and the silver and the alliances that fought hard for those honors.

Instead, this post is going to be more about the behind-the-scenes moments that were present throughout. Things like how I was able to discern who the teams were that never had to be told not to run through the venue and who always had their safety glasses on in the pits. Those were the teams who worked at keeping it safe and it made a difference. As a volunteer, I met many guests of teams as well as members of the teams, themselves. It was fun to watch the older siblings lend a hand with the younger siblings, insuring that they would enjoy the event through eyes wide with wonder.

It was an amazing moment when NASA’s Lunar Electric Rover rolled in and spent the entire time with us on display and as a demonstration. NASA folks and 118 mentors and students spent time talking about the rover to anyone who wanted information, had questions, or just wanted to stand there and absorb its presence and what that means.

When 34 walked in from Alabama, it was a special moment, as well, knowing that this team knows what it means to be an FRC team through and through. They were loud, competitive, efficient in the pits, and a pleasure to be around. If they went home disappointed in any way, it wasn’t because of their lack of trying – and I’m sure they will know that.

There were a lot of fun team interactions in the pits, the stands, and on the field. Oftentimes, there were team shirts from 3 teams or more, visible in one pit and visitors weren’t sure who was who. That was fun to see. It was nice to be able to walk a visiting grandparent up to a team and ask them to talk with her about the team or teams in the area that she could help connect her grandson up with. It was also nice to know that teams would spend time with visiting students from middle schools and answer questions about their robot, their team, their hair color.

I also appreciated the fact that students and mentors would listen if I had a suggestion regarding safety in the pits. They also offered help if we were short at the safety glasses station. There were students who kept a watch on my station and would come work extra shifts if they noticed the table was only being manned by me. There were 2 safety glasses stations at Lone Star – one at each entrance of the pits. The 2nd station really needed someone to step up to the plate and run it. Well, someone did. FRC 922 – Team Ultimate. They ran that station non-stop from Thursday through Saturday, all the while competing as a team. That is no small thing for a team to do.

There are many favorite memories and special moments that stand out for me and most of them have to do with the professionalism that I saw in the veteran teams and the fun and exuberance that emanated from the rookies. Throughout, I saw dedicated mentors and volunteers supporting the efforts of the teams and the event and it was very impressive to be a part of. One especially fun moment was walking around the corner to the practice field at the end of Friday and seeing nothing but Cryptonite on the field throwing orbit balls in the trailers. I think the whole team was on the field. Cryptonite green hair and flying orbit balls = wow! Wish I’d had my camera at that moment.

On a personal note, I have never been more proud of my favorite team in FIRST than I was of LASA, FRC 418, throughout the competition, before and after they won their wonderful awards. I will never forget the 2009 Lone Star Regional in Houston, Texas.