Quote:
Originally Posted by robotlover77
Sircedric4 your team is to be commended for the example of gracious professionalism you exhibited. As an impartial observer of the entire regional I am absolutely sickened by what transpired. There was a collective rumble that went through the crowd of non Arkansas spectators as the ultimate result was revealed. There is a large faction that saw this for what it was. The fact that the regional winner was determined after the match, based on foul point assessments, after a good deal of elapsed time, with the outcome ultimately favoring not one, but two home teams is suspect in and of itself. The fact that the driver of the team that won, 16, shares the same last name as both the Regional Director (Novak) and another member of the Arkansas Regional Planning Committee seems to me in and of itself a huge conflict of interest. Additionally, a judge was a senior engineer from Baxter, sponsor of the winning team. Considering the outcome I think it is highly suspect and at the very least deserves investigation by FIRST. Had it been a clear victory this would not be a consideration. Anyone that thinks this was a clear victory is either delusional or dishonest. I didn't have a dog in the race and came into this completely impartial. I am just a fan of FIRST and a believer in fair competition. This was a sad, sad day for FIRST.....
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I agree with this to an extent robotlover77. Our team, 3991, also from Louisiana was heavily involved in watching the finals at Arkansas. We cheered excessively for our good friends from 2992 until the last whistle blew. After the scores came up in match #2, we were quite surprised and it was unclear as to what exactly happened. As finals match #3 concluded we were once again befuddled as to how foul points could change the effect of a game and a regional chapionship that much. Even though the red alliance had substantial support from the crowd, it was heartbreaking to see that happen to our dog in the race. After matches were over, we congratulated 2992 and told them how proud we are that they gave it their best. My team did nominate them for the Gracious Professionalism Award, and knowing that they received it was music to our ears.
But in supporting them, in no way am I mad that the alliance from Arkansas won the regional. Upon talking with members and mentors from Team 16, it was clear that they exhibit qualities of FIRST that very few teams do. Mr. Brandon and Courtney deserved the Woodie Flowers and Dean's List Awards, respectively. I am so glad I got to meet each of them. And for Mrs. Novak, we cannot thank you enough for the amount of work you and your team of volunteers put into this event. As a group, we enjoyed and were honored at the fact that we got to be apart of what they have been working at for 20+ years. I am happy for them, and I cannot wait too see their partners, team 3937 at the Bayou Regional.
-Matthew Cope
Team 3991 Drive Team