[Adam Freeman]

The nature of this game really lead to an increase in performance for almost every team in FIRST. Pretty much >50% of teams at any regional/district event have some ability to score a modest level of frisbees.

So when you combine a game like this with a qualification style event like MSC, it's just a recipe for incredible performance in the qualification matches. Then add in another level of sorting, by picking the best 24 teams at an event the eliminations performance just increases even more exponentially.

But, the same thing has been happening every year since we started this FiM district system. MSC tops you typical district/regional event, but gets trumped by the eliminations @ Champs, and IRI eliminations tops them all.

The level of performance needed to win a Division or even better Einstein is outrageous, from performance to reliability, it just takes some really well built machines combined with outstanding performance and strategy. By the time we get to that level, the amount of pressure to succeed is sometimes overwelming. Topping even MSC.

I would predict that the Champs elims will be even better than what we just saw this weekend. Take MSC and add in all the rest of the teams from outside of Michigan...it HAS to be!

Then, take only the "best of the best" teams from all over (MSC, Champs, Silver medalists that didn't get into champs, etc..) and bring them to a small gym in the middle of Indiana and things get even crazier. Yes, some teams try out new drivers and are maybe not always operating at full strength. But, there are also those teams that maybe experienced some bad luck at Champs or lost on a questionable call that are looking for redemption.

MSC elims < Divisions elims < Einstein < IRI for level of competitiveness.

I can't wait to get back out there!