[Colin P]

I'm also a team leader of a rookie team this year, and it is a handful.
Just try to keep in mind that the most important thing to accomplish in the rookie year is good team structure. Having a good robot is nice, but it is most important for you to set up the team to ensure future success.

Mentoring rookie students is an uphill battle. As much as I want to give them control over the robot and what goes into it, they simply do not know how a FIRST robot is made. The big problem I've had this season is trying to have them build a good robot without controlling them too much.

It's very helpful to have a veteran team to ask for assistance. Team 857, Superior Roboworks, has been giving me some great advice. Any veteran team would be more than happy to assist a rookie with anything.

It's a lot to handle, but it's such a great experience. I'm so happy to have had this opportunity. Once the dust settles, I think we'll all be feeling a lot better.