Let the love fest go on some more....
1678
I really liked how [DampRobot] recapped the past 5 seasons for 1678... It has been a perfect progression of success. We all know many of the famous powerhouse teams in FIRST history to make it to Einstein, a few come to mind are 67, 71, 111, 148, 175, 177, 217, 254, 469, 968, 1114... Well 1678 joins 175 and 177 with the Einstein hat trick accomplished these past three seasons (175, did it once and 177 did a double hat trick!! - Thanks Joe and Peter for fact checking this). THREE consecutive back to back appearances on Einstein ! This accomplishment is a testament to not only how
hard the Citrus Circuits work, but how
smart they work as well.
Mike Corsetto (yes, I remember you as a student on 114 back in the day!) and Steve Harvey are not only tremendous mentors and leaders of this team, but are very humble about their success and do a lot to encourage all teams in our area and at competitions. I was so elated that Steve was recognized with the WFFA at Sacramento. They truly embody what Woodie and Dean talk so much about, they are gracious professionals. They share their success with everyone and truly want all FRC teams to be more competitive. They share knowledge and advice whenever and wherever. On many occasions, they have made a point to make sure that while on their way to winning, they win the right way. These two are always upbeat and positive and it transcends to their students on their team. What an inspiring duo.
I'm sure there are many stories about amazing mentors like this across FRC, but this is one I know and wanted to share.
118
We all have followed the amazing machines coming from these team for over 10 years. I can clearly remember my students and I watching their 2007 Reveal video one day in class and our jaws dropped!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3l6Xqts4to
A few weeks later we would play against them at the Bayou Regional, where they just barely beat us in the semifinals. Since then, our paths hadn't crossed much until this season when we played against at Sacramento and at Lone Star. I must admit, we were very intimidated by them, but at Lone Star, they showed us what wonderful folks they are. They took time to talk with our students, lent us a pneumatics solenoid, and Lucien even made us some new intake wheels for Champs. Definitely a class act and I hope that our paths cross again in the future.
1671
Each year, this team and their robots get better and better. Their Chairman's and outreach work is inspiring and their robots become more and more competitive. They have transformed the Central Valley region along with 1323 through a myriad of outreach activities. It was thrilling to be there at CVR when Paul received the WFFA and then mixed feelings when their 6 stack fell over at the end of their last semifinals match, which meant we got to the finals and picked up the 254 wild card. Then at the Sacramento regional, more mixed feelings when they didn't get into the finals, but still happy for them as they won Chairman's. Paul and his students are amazing and I so look forward to seeing them at competitions.
Congrats once again to these teams and 5012 as well.