[Kevin Ray]

Man, I feel your pain. We've had two regionals like that. They happened on two different years and they were enough to make me say, "That's it, I quit". I said it both times, in '03 and '04--needless to say I'm still here. The one thing I've learned from those times is that they were the most beneficial experiences for following years. I know that that is the last thing you want to hear--perfunctory motivational comments--but it's true.
We now ALWAYS threadlock screws, support BOTH sides of output shafts from motors and gearboxes, have two people complete a checklist prior to each match etc... These and a myriad of other measures have kept Murphy [law] at bay. These are the seasons that make the wins taste so much better--and believe me, they will be delicious!!!!