Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard
Interesting topic.
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We had similar experiences in 2013.
At the wisconsin regional, we were in the lower 20 in terms of scoring. Yet, our unique shape and good driver allowed us to play brutal defense. We ended up being the 23rd overall pick, joining the second seed alliance with 1732 and 111, and got our first (and only) regional win. Through this, we realized that winning wasn't out of the question for our team, and that we might be able to shoot higher (literally)- value in success.
At midwest, we had made massive improvements to the robot. We were shooting into the higher goal, running more cycles per match, and shooting more consistently. We ended the event as the second seed, picking 111 and 1675. Mathematically, our alliance was the highest-scoring at the event, but we lost in semis because of broken parts and consistency problems. Learning from our mistakes, we returned from the event determined to make further improvements- value in failure.
At champs, we expected to be a second pick, if we were in elims at all. We knew the bot was by far the best one we had ever made, but we just didn't know if we'd make the cut. Yet, through some good strategy and a little luck, we ended up being the 7th seeded alliance captain. Even though we didn't make it past quarters, we were excited to even have been there, let alone be an alliance captain- value in success.
I could keep going, but 2014 in a nutshell was a lesson in failure and 2015 in a nutshell was a lesson in success. (at the end, at least) I have always felt that our failures have driven us to improve in the short term, while repeated failures encouraged long-term improvements. However, the value of success is how winning inspires a team to keep getting better. It provides a sense of identity and a sense of direction.