[mathking]

I will preface my remarks by saying that my initial reaction was not too positive about the game, and I still think it will be less than successful at engaging a wider audience. The last three years have all been games that most people could walk in and watch and get a quick sense of excitement while understanding basically what was going on. (I realize that not all of the nuances of scoring would be understandable, but hey, many Americans still don't understand a rule as simple as off sides in soccer.) I might be wrong but I think this game will be underwhelming to watch.

That said, a couple of thoughts to keep things in perspective. The first is that as soon as we started talking about best strategies, and a little about drive trains and mechanisms, it felt like build season. Exciting and, at this early stage, boundless optimism. And I remembered that most of the fun each year comes before we head off to competition.

The second is that, as a coach of some other sports that are less than successful at engaging a wider audience (cross country, track and field) that I need to look at this in a different competition mind set. This is more like gymnastics, diving or field events (long jump, pole vault, shot put, etc...) in terms of competition. Where you are competing somewhat "in a vacuum" and winning is determined by the best score or set of scores. It's not what a lot of us think of first when we think of sports, but still a sport.

The third though is that my programming team is excited about the challenge. And this is a year where automated processes, not just autonomous period, will likely play a huge role in the outcome. I think that a lot what students get out of the season will depend on the reactions and actions of mentors. So mentors, keep that in mind. I have had FRC, Track and CC seasons that ended up being disappointing to me personally relative to my expectations before hand. But I always try to remember that the kids need and deserve my best no matter what.

So even if this is more like FLL than suits my tastes, I still think I will have a really good time this season. I had a great time last season in a game many people said they hated. I had an even better time the year before in a game that almost everyone seemed to love. And a great time the year before that. Seriously, even with an overall not so positive reaction right now, I still feel better than this point in Lunacy. And I had a great time then too. Hmm... is that a pattern emerging?