[Steve W]

1114 is a powerhouse. So are some of the other teams around the country. They did not become that way by chance. Winning is important and to win they must do a lot of things right.

Building a good robot. This is important if you want to win. 1114 does that regularly. I know because the teams that I have been associated with competed with them every year. I also know that they inspired the kids on our teams to be better to try and beat them. This is a good thing. A goal always brings out the best in us all.

Having good contacts. This is an area that 1114 has also excelled. The mentors, Engineers, teachers and parents support their team with time, resources and money. They also have good bonds with other FIRST teams. All of this is good.

Good strategy. If some of the other teams in FIRST ever got the chance to listen in with their team and mentors you would be amazed. From the moment the game is announced they start at it and don't quit till after Championships. Constantly adapting as the weeks go on to make themselves be the best they can be. This also is good.

Building a good team. I am not talking about the robot but about TEAM. This includes EVERY student, mentor, teacher, sponsor and parent that wishes to be involved. Every person has a responsibility and they fulfill it. As each member does their part the team is strengthened. This again is good.

Willing to share. Well maybe not all of their secrets right away but they will let you see and learn from the robot after the competition starts. What teams have learned and taken back to their shops in invaluable. They also share their resources , both parts and manpower to help other teams before season ends and at each competition they attend. I personally have used them when I am going around the pits and see teams in need of help. They are one of the first teams that I ask for assistance from.

I guess what I am trying to say is that 1114 is one of the great stories of FIRST. Built on FIRST principles and excelling with them shows that FIRST does work.

Does it bother me that they continually win? You bet it does. Not because they win but because I haven't come up with a way to beat them. I continually strive to be my best and I wish others would do the same. People and teams never become better by lowering standards and tearing down others around them. They become better by reaching for goals out of their reach and eventually attaining them then setting new goals. This is what 1114 does.

JVN thanks for starting this thread. Your insight is always beneficial. It is not easy to say what must be said but I believe that you have done so a lot better than many could. People should also take note that 1114 is not the only team that I have heard things like this about. Funny thing is that when I have dealt with some of these other teams I find the same model and excellence that I see in 1114. Maybe we can start a new trend in FIRST where excellence is applauded instead of trying to tear it down.