[Al Skierkiewicz]

Martin,
This behavior really gets me steamed. How can any team know what another team does in the confines of their own shop/school/sponsor? Where does it say that students are the only ones that are part of the inspired masses? Where does it say that we should dislike a team because of our perception on how that team decides to best run it's program, inspire it's students or participate in FIRST? So let me state the facts one more time for effect...

We believe that our students get the most out of this program when we stand together and work side by side. We are not a 'rich' team nor do we have sponsors with deep pockets. We are simply an old team (1996) and have collected a lot over the past 17 years the same as any team that has been around for multiple years. We have learned over the years, mostly from others, how to best utilize our resources, design our robots, and compete with other teams. Above all, that formula changes all the time as our student population and mentor group changes. Our students this year are one of the best groups we have had and they seem to get better with each passing year. I consider them colleagues and will do whatever they ask. I am proud of them and every mentor that works on the team. I am also very proud of every team I see that builds a robot whether fully student built or not, mentored or not, rich or not. I have never seen a team that has not built on what they have accomplished each year and become more successful in our mission which is to inspire. My only regret is not being able to do more to keep teams from closing their program.

If you believe in your program and that what your team does/runs is best for your students regardless of your formula, then keep doing it!