Quote:
Originally Posted by AGPapa
I seriously doubt that even a significant fraction of teams go to champs with the intention to win it all. The second tier event(s) will still give teams a fun large-scale event to end their season.
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I agree with this sentiment. Maybe the top third believe that they have any chance at winning the championship. Virtually none of the rookies and wait list teams believe that; the teams traveling on Chairman's and EI are focused on that award; and many third bots in Regional champs are enjoying that they simply qualified.
I ran in the NCAA championships. I never imagined that I would be competing for the win (there was a two-time Olympic silver medalist in my event who set the record for most NCAA titles.) I went to compete with the best athletes and to meet many of them while enjoying a great competition. But I also got much of that same experience from running in a couple of high level invitationals. The NCAAs was a season-long goal and season ending reward for me. I expect that's the case for most FRC teams.
And many NCAA basketball teams are very happy to play in the NIT. In fact two other tournaments have sprouted up to meet the demand from teams wanting post-season play. That's why I think that some form of a two-tiered championship will satisfy the desires of most FRC teams.