A quick note and thank you for all the teams that competed in this event and a huge thanks to all the veteran teams that put in sweat equity to get rookie teams on the field. I don't have first hand knowledge of all the work that went on but thanks to everyone that did. Patrick, Jess, Mike, and I did a lot of planing that began in June but if not for the efforts of a several veteran KEY volunteers from the FIRST community it would not have mattered. Thanks goes to all the FIRST volunteers from other regions that came in and helped our local folks learn the ropes and ensure that our event was a success. Finally, what a great thing it is that Texas now has 3 events for teams with several teams having two options that are within 3 - 4 hours drive. Teams in three regions now can do a home and away event for very little cost.
A lot can be said regarding sustaining the growth that has seen Texas go from just over 45 teams to 125 plus in recent years. Simple fact is that we need all 125 teams to grow and develop into teams that 'get' the FIRST experience. (Many already have and can help lead the way for others) The students become the agents of change and build from within their community. Make FIRST a varsity sport on your campus. Develop an off-season program, attend/organize events, support/grow FTC and FLL
to develop a feeder pathway, engage more students on your team to submit chairman's - Animation - Autodesk CAD - implement a sound team business plan...
I'll stop there as it is spring break after all but stay tuned for a repeat attempt to host an invitational in Austin this August. Use it as a tool to keep your team engaged with the robot this spring/summer and to recruit that next group of students.
