So, the NYS Championship was scheduled for week 2?
217 made it to FLR in the past because FLR was Week 1. With FLR being week 2 this year, it cuts into 217's Michigan State District events. Mystery solved.
On the subject of FLR being mainly a NY event this year, I've been sorta wishing for this kind of setup for a while. FLR is many different things, and one of them is being a premiere event for FIRST robotics in Western and Central New York. To have such a turnout of the Best of the Best NYS robotics teams, it is the year that teams show their support for each other.
I fully support a Finger Lakes Partnership, where FLR teams at least make contact with each other to ensure we are all living up to the potential of this event, or go further to share ideas and such. I will say that 174's mentors might be hesitant on it. However if you want to try something of that effect, message me and I'll be the line though to 174 and see if I can get the team involved in something like that.
Also, I feel like I can call the elimination alliances right here, right now...but that would be a lousy move, so I won't post it.
I'll be volunteering again for FLR, and it will be my 5th volunteering year! Woo!