Eric,
This is not the best forum for Blender questions. Most of the members here use Autodesk software, because Autodesk sponsors the animation contest. You might want to try
http://www.blender.org/forum/
Blender is a great program, but if you want to compete for the Autodesk Design Excellence Award you'll have to use 3ds Max, Maya or Softimage; all Autodesk products. FRC team members can download them free at
http://students.autodesk.com.
If you're used to Blender you'll probably find a new 3D program confusing at first, but if you stick with it you'll soon get used to the new interface & new way of doing things.