Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
None of the volunteer robot inspectors had ever inspected a robot before this event. We had help from two previous Lead Robot Inspectors, and some good experience with being inspected in prior years. With very little in the way of preconceived notions from the inspectors, the process ended up being very consistent.
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I'd have to take both hands out of my pockets to count the number of volunteers who came by our pits to see how we were doing. If the inspectors were in fact rookies, they were certainly well-studied and eager.
The two-day field communication fight we had on our hands was correctly diagnosed as corrupt firmware on the router (thanks to 3193 and Ryan Reliford for their advice and support), and the robot performed admirably the last two matches. Too late for the scouts to take notice, but as it turned out we got to watch some amazing teams battle in some astonishing elimination rounds. At the end of each match, I thought, "Wow. That alliance is TOUGH. They'll surely be champions." Then the next match, with different teams, I thought the same thing.
I thought the XU president and Mr. Kamen had wonderful and on-point messages to share with us. As Mr. Miller hinted at a water game, excitement washed over the crowd, but I suspect he was dripping with sarcasm. Koko Ed led a fantastic queuing crew - firm but friendly; quick with a glare and a smile, sometimes simultaneously. The referees were fair and just; there's no doubt that there were some tough and controversial calls to be made, and I thought they did so with grace.
JonDarr is the real deal. I had heard of his prowess, but he absolutely blew me away. His delivery was inspiring, informational, entertaining, and seamless.
Once again, I thought all the awards went to the right people and teams. Congratulations to all our friends who deservedly earned the honors.
Budget willing, we'll definitely be back next year.