[martin417]

As much as I hate to prolong this debate, as one of the mentors that "modified another team's robot", I feel I need to respond.

Team 4509 was the alliance captain for the fifth seed alliance. We chose 832 as our third pick because they could score in autonomous, and because they had a strong drivetrain to play defense. They performed exactly as we wanted them to throughout the elimination matches. Once 4080 started their full court scoring, and won the second finals match, we knew we needed a strategy to stop that scoring if we wanted to win. As alliance captain, our drive team suggested that they add a tall blocking feature to their robot so they could continue their defensive role. The students from 832 came up with the solution and the materials to implement that solution (a piece of 1/4-20 threaded rod, a piece of corplast, and a roll of duct tape). What most people in the stands probably couldn't see was that in that second match, 832's robot was badly damaged. The entire electrical panel was falling out the bottom of their bot (FRC competition is fierce). So while two of the students from 832 held a 150 pound robot 4 feet off the ground for five minutes, two more were seated underneath the bot working to secure the electrical panel. That didn't leave many hands to install the threaded rod and plastic. I and the other mentor that helped only acted as dumb labor. I held the threaded rod, and did turn a wrench, and the other mentor did apply duct tape, all with the help of students from 832. The idea, the materials, and the directions came from 832.

There are those that believe that mentors should have no role in FRC other than to answer questions. While I don't want to flog that deceased equine in this thread, I don't feel that way. I believe that mentors should mentor. I often work with interns at work. If I only answered questions, did not make suggestions or help out at all, I would be failing as a mentor for that intern. The purpose of a mentor is share his or her experience and expertise with someone who doesn't have that experience or expertise. I want the kids to be inspired, and to do their best. If there is a way to do just a little better next match, they should strive their hardest to make that improvement. The strive for excellence is a major part of FIRST, and should not be discouraged.

Having said all of that, I want to re-iterate that our team had a blast at the competition, learned a great deal, and were inspired. We do not regret any of our choices in the selection, and could not have asked for better partners or opponents. Thanks to all that participated, volunteered, and officiated. you were all awesome.