Hey, folks! Since the last post in June, we've had a number of updates to discuss.
***On the move, and we haven't even started!***
Back in June, we were alerted to a scheduling conflict at Irmo High School. We have been working non-stop through summer to find a replacement venue for the event. After a lot of hard work and panicked phone calls, we are proud to announce that
SCRIW has been moved to the recently-renovated Columbia High School just
minutes from the original site. Columbia High was the home school of FRC 1618 (Capital Robotics) from 2005 through 2009, and they continue to have a strong program competing in the Ten80 Student Racing Challenge. With the Capitals' help, we look forward to staging an amazing event.
***Because that wasn't enough change: Rules adjustments!***
Some of you may have followed the Indiana Robotics Invitational last month. While we're not quite on the level of a 66-team tournament where the world champion is the second-to-last pick of alliance selection (true story!), we do like the balance between tubes and minibots that their altered rules created. As such, we are instituting them
as seen here, with the exception of the tournament rules. We will continue examining the tournament structure to maximize the number of teams playing in the elimination tournament. Stay tuned on that.
Additionally, you'll notice that the scoring grids will look a little different. FIRST had a set of scoring grids anodized red and blue as a trial to see how the finish holds up once a bunch of robots are turned loose on it. The reflective tape is still present, and nearly 100 teams have competed with these grids to no problems, but you've been warned in advance. (See
http://chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/36986 for a taste of the anodization. It's actually pretty awesome.)
***Tell a friend!***
As of press time, we have officially registered 10 teams, plus one B-team. We've had teams contacting us from as far away as Orlando, and we have every aim of filling up our 24-team capacity--but we also don't want to leave any interested local teams out of the fun! If you know someone on a team not on the team list below, give 'em a nudge. Registration is still just $300, and our offers for B-teams and pre-rookies still stand (check
http://scriw.org/faqs-for-teams/). Teams can sign up at
http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ .
Here's who we have signed up at this point:
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists (plus a B-team)
1758 - Technomancers
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
For those of you already on board, don't forget to send in your registration fee--we appreciate those of you who have gone ahead and sent it, as it helps us out greatly with some things we have to pay upfront (such as, say, the field). If you need an invoice to get a check cut, just let us know.
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements, and be sure to follow the SCRIW thread on the ChiefDelphi forums:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=93000 ed: Oh wait, you're already here 
87 days to go,
Billfred Leverette
SCRIW Planning Committee