[Libby K]

Originally Posted by ticoloco12

However, the most important feeling and experience to get away from this, is the spirit of FIRST teams. They are completely separate from fields and external chaos such as sever weather, curses, coms issues and all else. Every team on Einstein was united in their dislike of what happened, and treated each other graciously and professionally.

That's why I'm so proud to be a part of FIRST. I'd like to thank all the Einstein teams for being as incredible as they were this weekend.

Originally Posted by ticoloco12

Dean Kamen was on the field, as was Dave and the look on their face said it all. They were disgusted and Dean was almost in tears as a Girl from a team I cannot remember pleaded the cause of her team. Dave was gone it seemed by the time the finals were over, and Woodie's face from the stage looked like he was viewing somebody drown and could not help.

That's exactly how I felt as well.... like I was watching a catastrophe and couldn't do anything about it. Because that's exactly what it was for me. FIRST is something I love and believe in with all of my heart and soul, and that was impossible to watch. I still don't feel any better about it.

I know a lot of people there with me felt that way, and I am sure that FIRST will make sure that something like this never happens again.

As I've said a few times on other threads: I have absolutely no bearing on what happened, but I am truly sorry it did.

Originally Posted by ticoloco12

I insist, the truest qualities of FIRST were never seen in such bright colors and they were here. Technology failed us and perhaps the field crew have a huge catastrophe to correct. These finals will be remembered as the day the field chose the winner. BUT IN NO WAY, SHOULD THESE EVENTS TARNISH THE IMAGE OF FIRST, ITS MISSION, ITS STUDENTS, TEAMS, OR FOUNDERS.

I hope a lot changes next year, but only as far as the field goes with technology, and in organization and error management. the Human aspect of FIRST and it's competitors is something we can be prouder today of than ever.

You make really good points. I appreciate your support for not tarnishing the image of FIRST... As awful as Einstein was, I am confident that FIRST will use this as a learning experience and a place from which to make changes. They'll make things right. As JVN said in another thread, we just have to wait and trust that the 'powers that be' will make this right. As FIRST teams deserve.