[Boltman]

My opinion as a RAS winner in 2014 is every event should have one.... we got clobbered at worlds with our slow defensive bot (Rank 95 in Galileo) that did relatively Ok (top 35) in San Diego. Had we not made worlds we would not have produced the very capable-Bot capable of competing the next two weekends back-to-back regionals.... the world's allowed us to see what we needed to do this season to compete at a high level... a humbling experience seeing your major deficiencies.... allowing you to come back stronger, much stronger... we expect to make it back this year, with knowing what it takes. We are not slow and will try our best.

So I am supportive for others (even less capable first year bots) to experience and compete with the best bots at worlds their first year as RAS, think that sets a team up for success early at a critical juncture....to see what it actually takes. Be unfortunate not to have that award at every sizable event. With 600 teams at world's there is room for many RAS's which I believe is the most influential award in terms of future team results. Not only from an expertise standpoint, but also in fund raising, organization and pride.

Did we deserve it?.... we hope to prove so this year and earn our way in by being among the best.