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).