Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

So, I see a number of threads on "best of this" and "best of that", my question is simple... who are the best rookie teams in 2010? As this is FIRST, please be aware that we are not simply looking for the best rookie robot - we are looking for nominations of the best all around rookie teams with data supporting the nomination, we'll call it the FIRST Annual Hypothetical 2010 CD Rookie All Star Award! As a service to other rookie teams, and the veterans who assist them, please provide information on how the team was formed, why, veteran team/mentor assistance, mentors, sponsors, team performance, etc! I look forward to the responses! My thoughts? All of the rookies are winners, but some make a statement above and beyond expectations - we want to hear about them so others can learn from these teams... But there is one simple rule I would like to impose:

RULE: ONLY VETERAN TEAMS CAN VOTE, AND THEY CAN'T VOTE FOR A ROOKIE THAT THEIR TEAM ASSISTED DURING THE SEASON. ONCE A ROOKIE IS NOMINATED BY AN IMPARTIAL VETERAN, ANYONE CAN WEIGH IN ON THE NOMINATION, INCLUDING THE ROOKIE TEAM OR VETERAN TEAM MENTORS.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3125. A simple, solid robot design that they continuously improve, combined with a very well run, professional team that you can't top this year.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3158 from Mexico has got to be one of the best rookie teams I have seen in a long time.

They have GM as a sponsor and are looking to start a regional in Mexico. They came to AZ with a chairman's presentation, a nice business plan, and tons of team spirit. The team is better organized than some veteran teams and their robot is about the quality of a normal third year team, OK, but not spectacular. I think they will be bringing home RCA awards wherever they apply.

The won Team Spirit and Rookie All Star at AZ.
Have to agree with Eric's 3194 pick for a good performing robot.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3194, also at Arizona. On the field, they're quite formidable already, with a highest rookie seed (5th) and a finalist to their credit. Off the field, they're pretty professional as well. They picked up Rookie Inspiration (3158 took the All-Star).

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3123 ranked 2nd at DC (rookie high-seed award), was picked 1st by team 1727, and went on to win the regional and the rookie all-star award. They were extremely professional and efficient all weekend long. I expect big things from them in the future.


edit: Fixed typo

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I think you mean 3123, 3132 is the Australian team. 3194 was also very impressive.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3194 had matches scoring 7 goals and in our match together, fed us 7 balls when we scored 11.
No bot the past 2 weeks fed us more in a single match.

You'd never guess that they were a rookie on the field................but only in the pits when I suggested having a ranking sheet right before alliance selections.:D Its a good thing they didnt need one being the second overall pick.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3280 was ranked either 1, 2, or 3 during most of the WPI regional. But that speaks to their robot. The reason why they're the best TEAM is because the team has tripled in size this year, given inner city kids a positive hobby, and is being mentored by a Woody Flowers Award Finalist who has truly kindled a passion for FIRST in the members.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

As a mentor of team 1727 I also would like to vote for team 3123. They not only have an outstanding robot, they have a darn nice team. They are going to be a powerhouse team soon (if they aren't already).

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I totally agree with this choice. At the end of awards on Saturday, the Rhode Rebels went home with the Rookie Inspiration Award, Highest Rookie Seed, and one of their mentors was chosen as a Woodie Flowers finalist. But behind the awards, the team has so much more for them. Although they're new to FRC, they have established 2 FTC teams in their school since 2008. They also mentor many FLL teams in the area, and as said above, have tripled their student participation this year. They have managed to develop not only a fantastic bot, but it seems they have planted the roots for a successful team in the years to come.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I'm going to nominate 3256, the Warrior Borgs. These guys won two non-rookie awards at SVR, Quality and Industrial Safety, and were a first-round pick in alliance selection. Plus, they were one of the most professional teams at the event, veterans included. What a pit display! I can't wait to see them rock and roll at Davis!

I'm nominating them because it was clear to me that they're not a one-hit wonder. There is no doubt in my mind that these guys will be back next year stronger than ever, and I know their program will just continue to grow. Expect them to be talked about a lot more in the years to come!

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

So far 3280 impressed me the most.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

Since we have been nominated, I guess it's OK to respond.
I had the priviledge of working with the Team members of 3280 this year.
Beyond the notes from WPI, the team really did a great job in Boston as well.
They have become extremely knowledgable about everything in a very short time for a rookie team.
They were top rookie seed (ranked 6th), rookie all-star, won the safety award and made it to the semi-finals. Boy if that battery wire hadn't come loose!!!!
Very happily moviing on to Atlanta this week to compete!
Looking forward to what the tape measure hook can do!
What a great experience for a small family owned company engineer!(me)
Dan

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

After all 5 weeks, I'm going to have to give the nod to 3280 from what I've seen. They have a solid drive base, excellent drivers, and a really awesome hook. They are one of the only rookies this year I'll call for Championship eliminations.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3256 has the strongest rookie robot and drive team of 2010. By far. I expect them to do well in eliminations in Atlanta. 3280 is a close second, with a ball magnet, great striking, and an awesome and quick hanger.

Of course, the two other rookies I will be rooting for are 3125 (EWCP) and 3231 (MORT rookie).

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I guess a shortfall of the district program in Michigan is that we keep all our rookie team goodness to ourselves!

Both 3302 and 3357 were very high on our pick list as more than capable robots, having many impressive matches at the MSC, as well as other districts!

Sadly, neither are in Curie. Oh well, maybe next year!

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

They are indeed a great team. They won safety and Rookie All Star at SAC and even seeded second, we picked them, and went on to win the regional with them. And their organization is solid as to be successful in the future for sure.

Oh and their pit is so nice it's scary.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I have been very impressed by 3123 and 3176.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I give another nod to 3123. Great team, Great bot. How many regional champ rookies are there this year?

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I say 3125 becuase if they can get the highest rookie seed at 2 competitions then they are good

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I don't believe they took highest seed at WPI, correct me if I'm wrong.

That being said, I do feel 3125 is still one of the top rookie teams out there. Having known a few of them outside of robotics, I have to say they really get the FIRST message. Not only is their bot impressive, their team structure is defiantly something to write home about. The way they present themselves, you would think they've been here for years. If you were to talk to some of their members without seeing anything to indicate their number and/or experience in the program, it would be hard to pinpoint them as a rookie team.

This team has a solid design process structure, a great business plan, members who really have the ability to come with complex strategies, and still come out laughing and smiling in the end. Awesome job guys.

On that note, a message to all rookie teams. Remember: FIRST is about Gracious Professionalism. If you don't want to be seen as "a rookie," prove to us that we don't need to see you that way. Great job everyone :)

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3125's business plan in incredible! I read it last night and definitely plan on improving team 11's because of the work those kids have put into it. Very impressive team.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3138 is definitely the best rookie team I have seen all year. They had an effective robot, strong drivers, motivated students, and an overall really solid team. If circumstances had been different, they and 1038 could have gone all the way at Buckeye.

They have the record to prove it too. Two rookie all stars, two highest rookie seeds, a GP award, and two finalist awards.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

3125 ALL THE WAYYY!!!! great job PIRATES!!!!

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

Not that their results in Atlanta affected by decision, but 3357 is my pick for the best 2010 rookie team.

Not only have they won an event this year (West Michigan), but they also won Rookie All Star at MSC, Rookie Inspiration at West Mighigan, won Archimedes division, but most importantly act like a team who has been participating for many years.

If you talk with their team, and look at how it functions, you can see that they have a very nice team structure; and it shows. From their pit, to their website, to their business cards, they are a great team.

As a resource to the FIRST community, they have also released their robot code, and a pit scouting display program that displays team rankings, match results, and a match schedule.

If that's not impressive enough, they have a handbook describing their team structure, history, and more.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

How did you get to see 3125's business plan? As another rookie team we know that a business plan is something we need to develop to remain competitive and successful going forward. I know many experienced teams have posted business plans in the past but they usually have a developed support base that rookie teams lack. It would be great to see 3125's business plan to get an idea of what a good rookie business model would be.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I think most of the teams didn't see my team because we didn't make a lot of noise, we were in shock after our 12hours flight and 2 more in another flight in the us.
You can see my team on you tube, search by date, team 3339

Team 3339 BumbleB is ROCK

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

My vote is for team FROG 3160 out of Grove OK.
By far the most impressive rookie team at the OKC regional.
Solid robot (better than most of the veteran teams) and a really professional and well organized looking group of students.
You know a rookie team has something going for them when they out number most of the well established teams, and they show up to their 1st kick-off wearing team T-Shirts.

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

Your team and your robot made enough noise that you impressed our team (FRC1511 - Rolling Thunder) in Atlanta. You received a team award from us just to prove it! Team 3339 BumbleB is ROCK!

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

Some of the members are personal friends of mine. I'm sure they'd be fine with me sending you a copy if you'd like. Send me a PM :)

Re: Best 2010 Rookie Team
 

I'll ask the main contact of 3125 to post it up.