Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

First of all I want to say the Canada and USA game was kind of fun and thank you Steve for that chuckle between matches.

Congrats to 217, 1551, 174 for there regional win and I personally enjoyed playing such a great alliance.

Thank you to our alliance 610(again) and 191 for playing a hard and challenging finals round.

I would also like to thank a member of team 229 who spent a large chunk of practice day helping us fix our robot code. We had a working on Tuesday before the regional and on Thursday our robot code started to have weird behavior and we could not drive. Also I would like to thank all the other teams that helped us and came to our pits to help instantly upon request. With out these teams team 188 would have not made the finals or even competed in the competition.

I would like to thank all of our team alumni members and mentors who helped us through this season. Especially when something didn't work or broke they managed to use their FIRST experience to solve our issues.

The Finger Lakes was most probably my last FIRST regional as a participant and I think it was almost everything I wanted to end with. It is unfortunate that we burned our sidecar for our last match before the elimination round, however despite that our team performed well and with the help of teams 610 and 191 we are FLR Finalists.

Once again thank you to everyone and good luck to all teams in the future.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

To the drives teams who were @ FLR I'd like to know what you guys thought of the oddball system I set up for queing this year?
Did you like it? Hate it?

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

The regional was so much fun. I am sure everyone had a great time! :D

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

The Finger Lakes Regional is always an enjoyable event and this year was no exception.

While things didn't start off in the most exciting manner on Thursday, they certain finished with a bang. Just about all of the teams stepped up their game when it mattered which helped to make the eliminations close and exciting - something that perhaps not too many people had predicted just two days prior.

While the on-field performances were stellar, the stories from the pits that described how those performances were made possible were far more inspiring. From teams helping to rebuild robots to a plethora of shared resources to team members spending an entire day in the pit of a team not their own, the off-field happenings at FLR epitomised the ideals of this program in which we all participate.

Parth, one of our programmers, mentioned it earlier, but I think it's worth restating Team 188's sincerest thanks to Team 229 for all that they did to help us overcome our code issues. We would have been dead in the water without your help and we are so thankful for your help. (We'd also love to end up working with you guys one of these years, not just playing against you.)

Another team that 188 is dying to work with after so many years is 1241. While we didn't get the chance to play a match with each other this year, it's only a matter of time before we pair up and put on a show (see FLR 2009). I'm rather disappointed that our 6 vs. 0 match didn't quite pan out the way we wanted because (one of our sidecars fried), but with 8 balls in your offensive zone and your ability to deflect them back in, it definitely set up as we wanted. Next time, next time.
I must also congratulate Mr. Hobbins on his WFA win. I've only had a few opportunities to interact with him, but they have always been insightful. Having heard his accomplishments in the script, one can only suggest that he is truly deserving of the award.

610 and 188 have some unfinished business to take care of. Three alliances and 3 finalists finishes just don't do our teams justice. Your team was terrific to work with in the eliminations - honestly we were blown away that we were able to pick you where we did. Your mobility was spectacular, and had it not been for a few too many bounces maybe we could have broken our curse.

I think I would have to say that I was equally surprised that 191 fell to us where they did after they showed off their defensive capability late on Saturday. You carried out your job perfectly and if your drivetrain didn't run into trouble, perhaps the results would have been different.

We got our first real taste of 217 in Atlanta last year, and they brought the same A-game to FLR this year. I expect nothing but immense success from this team in the coming year (we all know the Chickens only get better).

I didn't get a chance to see a whole lot of 1551 and 174 throughout the weekend, but I saw way too much of them in the finals. 1551's ridiculously consistent hanging capabilities combined with 174's shutdown defensive play helped the top alliance seal the regional win. Congratulations on defending your title 174.

While the weekend went extremely well, I thought there were a couple of opportunities for further improvement.
Queuing this year was a little bit crazy (I'm glad the decision was made to call teams down instead of the original thought to let teams do their own thing). Perhaps a little bit more organisation at the entry point to the field and an avoidance of early call-downs would have helped to keep things flowing a little more smoothly.
Additionally, I got the feeling that the referees, at times, were dying to call penalties rather than letting the teams play the game. I completely respect that the referees have a difficult job to do in calling out teams of their errors, but sometimes letting the game play out, rather than having the referees decide the final score is maybe the better way to have things happen. Admittedly, a week one regional means a few teams not completely attuned to the rules, but even then, I thought some of the calls were a little harsh.

That said, I hope to be in Rochester again a year from now to witness and partake in another great event!

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

There were some ups and downs. Since everyone was closer to where they needed to be queing went a little faster, but the thing I didn't like about it is that it separates the alliance partners and makes it harder to discuss strategy right before the match. Also you end up right next to your opponents who are going to be in the same zone as you and if you start to review your strategy with your drive team you need to move away or talk quietly because your opponents are listening in.

Also thank you to all the volunteers for making the regional possible, but refs need to be better trained during match 61 they missed a penalty on 316 and it didn't matter because the score was already 0, but what if it hadn't been?

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

My bad on the calling teams to the field.
We were instructed during our training to not call teams to the field to get you guys ready when you go to Atlanta but that went out the window when we started 25 minutes behind and had to change plans so everyone wouldn't come to queing all at once and cause a fire hazard.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

I knew that when I set up the system that the drive teams would not like being split up to all corners of the field but that's why I had teams set up in Purgatory first so they could work out what they wanted to do there (if they showed up on time which many teams did not) til we moved them out to their set up positions before they went onto the field.
My main concern was to stick to the 6 minute turn around time (and even try to make up time if we could) as much as possible and this was the best way to do it.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

Ed, for the most part I think it worked pretty well. The complaints already voiced are legitimate ones, and it would be nice to find a way to keep alliances all together until just before their robots go on the field... But then again, with next year's game we likely won't have humps that can't be crossed, so the physical separation might not be necessary, and the complaint moot.

Or it might be an underwater mobius strip knot-tying contest...

Overall, great job by you and all of the volunteers.

Patrick

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

I hope they don't have something weird like the humps next year to split the field up.
It's a whole lot easier to keep the teams together and send them in one gate onto the field.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

188 and 191, you were great alliance partners! 188, you won't believe how much of a legend you are among even the youngest members of our team. When you picked us, I (who was at the opposite end of the field) heard our team cheer louder than they ever did before or since. 191, we were all impressed when you were zooming across the field successfully holding off two opposing robots. Sorry for our blunder during the finals that led to our robot flipping over. Fortunately, that didn't do much mechanical damage. If we didn't do that, and if 191's drive system didn't break at the last moment, we could possibly have won.

Congrats to 217, 1551, and 174 for their well-deserved gold medals. These teams were amazing and won award after award. I was particularly impressed that 217 was able to score autonomously from the far field. Good work!

About the queuing system: I'm not on the drive team, so I don't know what it was like on the field, but we (the pit crew) were all VERY relieved to hear that pit admin was going to announce when teams should queue. We would have all been 10x more stressed if we had to keep track of that ourselves.

One more thing that I'd like to ask 188 (and you can answer this by PM): I'm curious, what was the problem with your code?

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

This was my first regional and it was so awesome! Makes me even more excited for the Cleveland Regional at the end on the month. Was great to be in the playoffs. Also congrats to the FRC Dean's list winners. Especially Carly from 578

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

This was my first time at the FLR. I was not able to make it when we participated in 2005. I must say it was an excellent experience.

This being my first year as the teams drive coach I knew I had a lot to live up to. Paul, my brother, left behind some pretty big shoes to fill. Thankfully I had the support of my team and many others to help. Without the support of these key people the outcome would have been much different.

First and foremost Team 1551, Your robot was one that was on our radar during the entire event. Your ability to hang consistently and expeditiously was as impressive as your ability to control balls in the middle zone. Without your performance the win would not be possible. The number one seed was a title that you truly earned. Thank you for making us your number one choice.

Team 174. Never have I seen defense played so tenacious and effective. Your performance on the field is as intense as your spirit and enthusiasm behind the glass. Your positive attitude and outlook lifted the alliances spirit and made the elims much more than a competition. I looking forward to seeing you in future events.

Brandon, Commander Kyle and all who came from team 1114 you are officially Chickens by proxy. Your presence at the event was as invaluable as your strategic assistance. Our strategy was as much a product of collaboration with you as our robot was with team 148. Thank you for all of your support.

Last but not least my brother Paul. You are and always will be one of the best strategists/coaches in FIRST. While others may be thinking two or three matches ahead you have already won the elims. Having you at the event was inspirational to say the least. If I become half the coach that you are I will consider myself lucky.

Team 188. Your robot was amazing and its performance on the field was a reflection of this. I wonder what the results would have been if we had a chance to compete together in the elims. With us in the home zone and you in the middle I am sure the results would have been spectacular.

Team 610 you are an offensive robots worst nightmare. Speed, robustness and the ability to fly over the bumps makes you one of the scariest robots on the field. And if that was not enough the ability to score.

Team 191. You guys are a legend in FIRST and it was a privilege to compete against you. Your presence in that alliance made the dream team complete.

Congrats to all teams and good luck in 2010.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

Why do the ThunderChickens go to events outside of Michigan?

The answer to this is very simple: to get our exposed to new people and new teams that they would never really have a chance to meet otherwise.

The 2010 Finger Lakes regional is the best run regional I have attended since 2005 ... that regional? The inaugural Finger Lakes Regional. The volunteers, the set-up, the teams ... This regional has it all. It is well run and has a lot of room. We don't feel crowded like at many other venues. Thanks to RIT for providing such a wonderful venue.

It was nice to see so many teams that we have not met before and to see some old friends.

188 & 610: I hope that both of your teams know that the whole Canada v. US stuff was all in good fun and for entertainment. I love both of your teams. I have followed you for many years as the Waterloo announcer and felt very honored to go against 188 in the Curie finals last year. 610, your machine is terrifying! I wish you luck in the rest of your events.

191: What can I say? Your team is an example of what all FRC teams should be. I can't believe you were available in the second round.

To all of the amazing rookies: This was the best class of rookies at a regional I have seen in all of my years in FRC. Good luck to all of you this year and beyond.

1551: All I can say is wow! You were on my short list very early on Friday. I am glad you decided to select us as your first pick. I thought our strategies matched up perfectly. Your play convinced me that a dominating midfield robot is a key part of a successful alliance. You guys will do very well in Atlanta this year!

174: Your ability to move from zone to zone very swiftly and change your strategy as the game required was unmatched. You defended the far zone and came back to run blocker for us smoothly and briskly. Congratulations on the Finger Lakes three peat!

Special thanks to Karthik, Kyle, Brandon, Supermom (and superdad), Jessa, and Stacy for making the trek out to support us. We consider you part of our team and good luck in your events this year.

To all of the ThunderChickens: You are all a part of my family. Without you there would be a huge hole in my life. Thank you for being so special. You all worked very hard and your effort shows in every aspect of our team. I am very proud of you. It is an honor to mentor along side all of the fantastic teachers, engineers, and other mentors and parents on this great team. It is also a great gift to have my brother as my replacement for drive coach. He and his team did a fantastic job of strategy and execution to bring home the gold. There is only one Copioli with an undefeated Regional record and it isn't me (stole that one from JVN)!

Now let's kick some Michigan District butt!

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

I would like to commend the actions of 1511 and their alliance during their final qualifying match against 217. For those who are not aware, 217 with their amazing autonomous mode pulled of a quick lead early into the match. Instead of participating in a 6v0 stradigy, they refused to play the match, walking away from thier controllers half way through the time as a silient protest against this years coopertition abuse.

Between witnessing the quantity of penalties, the misunderstanding of rules, and the difficulty that small teams had in this compitition, this game has given me serious doubts on wether I wish to be apart of our next Regional Event. What is further painful is the attitudes of many people I have come to admire. This game is nether Gracious nor Professional and I feel as though it has brought out the worse in people, using a loop hole to gain an advantage.

This is not the FIRST that I grew up with and hope things change for the better before Week 2 can begin.

Re: 2010 Finger Lakes Regional
 

We do two events, our local event in Philadelphia and one "away" event. This year it was FLR, and it was great. Only 1000 miles round trip, three great BBQ places (Dinosaur BBQ, Sticky Lips and Quaker Steak and Lube), a pit area that was bigger than my first apartment. What wasn't to like?

Teams were a little more than we expected Curie and Newton winners, a team with a chance to "three-peat at FLR" (and they did) and schools with more chairmans awards than I have robot shirts. Help and support, 6 teams helping one totally rebuild a robot in a single day. A shop in the next bay with a milling machine and someone that knew how to make it work well.

Queue by Koko Ed was good, but the pit announcements were the best. Loud AND clear and timely. We never missed a match.

I hung out in the pits while the finals went on, and had the biggest crowds of 12 and under roboteers. It was cool to explain to them the robot and see the excitement about doing the same. Lots do FLL now and can't wait to get to the big toys. They were all in awe of our giant screwdriver.

All in all a good 4 days, the only disappointment was the lack of the famous Rochester lake snow. Maybe I'll see it another year.