[ShotgunNinja]

Hey, from a volunteer/mentor/alumni standpoint, I have to say that this year's Wisconsin Regional was by far the most fun robotics competition I've ever been to! The matches were exciting, Dean Kamen brought us FIRST Scout Cookies, my college team is going strong, we saw a lot of good friends, and everyone got their just rewards! Thanks to everyone who cooperated so well with us volunteers out on the field, and thanks to the chief volunteer crews who managed to get us caught up after not only a 10-hour delay to the start of practice matches, but a Dean Kamen speech as well!

And a special congratulations for Team 111, for showing us all how a true FIRST Robotics team operates, by overcoming major adversities to not only build a robot, but build the most cohesive, focused, and committed robotics team I've ever seen. I've kept a keen eye on WildStang, like so many others in FIRST, and I've noticed in past years that there were certainly some people who were not quite as passionate or as professional about the mission of FIRST Robotics, despite the best efforts of the incredible group of mentors and family members involved with the team. However, I am ecstatic to say that what I saw from them this year was completely spectacular, and should be heralded as the golden standard for FIRST Robotics teams who wish to embody the ideals of the organization. They were passionate, professional, committed, helpful, polite, determined, and respectful of themselves and others.

A great competition, and a great year! I hope to see you all in St. Louis, and I hope you will take time to stop by the fields for the NEAT College-Level Robotics Pilot Program, where I will be representing Milwaukee School of Engineering with my team!