[cadandcookies]

I'd put my money on Team RUSH 27 for CCA as well. They were my bet last year-- from watching them at Northern Lights and talking with some of their members, the sheer amount of outreach and advocacy that they do is a cut above anyone else I've seen.

Runners up: I got a peek at Killer Bees 33's submission and definitely would say they're getting there. While I think RUSH has more in terms of years (how do you argue with that many District and State Championships wins?), I think the Bees are definitely getting there. Frog Force 503 is another perennial from Michigan that has a solid shot at it.

Quixilver 604 has an incredible program as well, and I wouldn't surprised if they came away with the big prize in the next few years.

From PNW, there's a couple of long-time leaders-- Skunkworks 1983 who I think has at least an outside chance (I'm not as familiar with their program though), and Flaming Chickens 1540, who have flown below the radar a bit (aside from being within two numbers of last year's winner!). While I personally wouldn't bet on either (yet), I would be remiss to ignore their incredible achievements.

Just looking at their history, I think Kell Robotics 1311 would definitely fall into the same category, along with G.R.R. 340 and Panther Robotics 1108.

I think the new rules for submissions have given us our most competitive Championship Chairman's field yet. I look forward to seeing wins the most prestigious award on Saturday.