[dsmoker]

On behalf on team 558, I want to thank everyone involved with organizing this event, which our students enjoy attending each year. To Team Max, 1071, you have set up an event which is a pleasure to compete in. The addition of the FTA this year was a welcome one. To GUS, team 228, as always the food was fantastic.

To our alliance partners: 716, you have been a team we've enjoyed playing with many times, and this was no exception. We hope to work with you many times in the future. 178, I personally, have admired your team from afar for many years. Your Dream FIRST program, and all do for your community, are admirable. I am sure that a Chairman's Award is in your immediate future. We've never really had the opportunity to work with you before in competition, and are so glad that we did on Saturday. You were a great partner, and we look forward to working with you again.

230, 3125 and 2064: It was a hard fought final match, and I really thought we were going to have to go one more! Your alliance was strong, and that made it all the more fun!

Finally, to our students, especially our graduating senior and Dean's List Finalist Rohit Grover: we let you guys run the show on this one, and you did us proud. You did your own coaching for the first time for an entire competition, and you made mature, reasoned decisions in the heat of battle. You did your own scouting and decided based on that data (with only minimal input from us mentors) who to select as your alliance partners for the elmination rounds. Again, you had sound reasons for your decisions, and your hard work and effort paid off. We could not be prouder of you. And Rohit, you will be sorely missed next year. Best of luck at Southern CT State University! We are looking forward to having you come back as a mentor next year. Maybe it'll be you we see as coach at the regionals in 2012!