[OrangeCataclysm]

This is from the perspective of one of 862's pit crew, not a driver or coach, but I did get a very close look at what happened in both the semi-finals and the finals.

In the semis, I doubt I need to explain what happened, and despite intentions, I knew the 50 point fowl would be called. I've seen that fowl been called at least twice and Michigan, but none so blatant. I'm not saying 967 intended to interfere with the climb, but they definitely pushed 148 too far, and incurred the penalty nonetheless.

I can't say I'm too happy about winning the semis on penalty points, but what happens happens. I apologize to the number 4 alliance for their misfortune, but a call had to be made all the same.

As for the red card incident, it was actually our team that incurred the red card. As a spectator down at the field, I saw our robot run over 1918's ground collector while they were touching the pyramid. One of the drivers told me he was pushed into 1918 when that happened, and in my opinion, our action had very little to do with their fall from the pyramid.

But: The refs needed to be consistent. They already called 967 on affecting the outcome of a climb, and since 1918 fell, they carded us on having caused it through the contact. Our main driver seemed pretty beat up about the whole thing, and seeing the opposing alliance argue in our favor was one of the best examples of gracious professionalism I've ever seen. I see little point to the red card because the number three alliance would have won without it. But it was a tough decision, and I applaud the refs for making a call, even if it was such an unpopular one.

Thank you to both the number 3, and 4 alliance members for being good sports about the whole situation.