[Boltman]

Originally Posted by YAK'ker

Fortunately, the PNW went to a district model last year, so we get a lot more playing time. Before that, there was virtually no way our meager ($10K) budget would allow us to tackle going to another regional.

However, even with the district model, we still issues with kids taking off from school.

One thing we have done is encourage our students to take their grades seriously. No students can attend who have an F, for one. For another, we ask that they don't skip any classes during the last week of build (to come to build/program) without their teachers' written consents.

Our mentors: one is the HS shop teacher, one is the school librarian (me), and one is a retired WWF wrestler (no, not kidding on that!) This year it's been no problem getting the administration to let us get staff subs, because the shop program's Perkin's Grant pays for that. Next year we lose our shop program (teacher is retiring and moving to Australia for a year) and everything may unravel. I hear that some teams have paid mentors, though, and since our sports teams all have paid coaches, we will recruit that way. Really hoping we can sit down with our local industries and ask them to "donate" mentor time, too.

Back to the question, though....not sure going to our regional (if we make the cut) is even worth the $8,000+ it would cost our team to go. Driving over 16 hours (both ways) to play for less than 2 hours total time? I mean, we have a nice robot and a great drive team, but it's not a superstacker. There's little to no chance we would make it to the quarterfinals, given the PNW superbots. Since most of our kids have gone to the Portland regionals in the past, it's not a new experience for them, either. Some of the team feels I am lacking in spirit...they feel we should go if we qualify, though they all know the odds. I have a hard time justifying team funds go towards this. Am I being a curmudgeon?

IMO yes... There is a commitment to do this as a Mentor and also as a First participant student, I realize the expense involved...but there are ways around that if motivated the problem is going into it with a defeatist mindset won't help. What does that teach the kids?

Best I beleive is to do your best and IF you earn a spot and IF financially capable go or at least try. They earned it. If not, oh well you tried. Otherwise they miss out....for no real good reason after giving their best. We all know the rules/expenses going in so should not be a surprise.