[miketwalker]

I felt bad for Cogsquad since we were next to them and just to see that they couldn't run 3/4 of the day because of all that water stunk. I'm glad they did get going again, but now they need to pay for replacement parts it seems. They really needed a better system for the outside tents. We were near one of the AC units and in our pits and Cogsquad's when you stood up it was like being in a freezer, they had them pointing straight out at your pits, and when it rained out it sucked the rain in and blew it all over everything. I also agree that the cost of water and food was extremly ridiculous. However, I did really like the field setup. It was easier to see the field than at KSC. Some of the lower rows (where we sat) were hard to see because of all of the people, but from higher in the stands it was an awesome view, at KSC it was really hard to see the field.

On Saturday I couldn't stand all of the fixed matches. There were like 5 in a row where both teams had 8 high stacks and the robots would work and go right by the stacks, paying them no attention. Our team was even asked by an opponent to "fix" a match. We of course said no, but it was a great disgrace to see so many teams do that, and personally I was quite ashamed. We played the game the best we could, and some matches walked out with 1 point, 6 points, and I believe 8 points. I'm more honored to say I truly recieved 1 point in a match that we tried in, then to see other teams fix their matches and make 300 points. I was quite upset that so many teams would get involved and cheat like that. It completly ruins the spirit of FIRST.

Overall I did like the way the field was setup very much. I just think they need to figure a different way for the pits because of all of the problems outside. I do agree that the food and water were way too expensive, but I think that's just cause of the UCF Arena prices, I don't know if FIRST could change that. As for the fixed matches, that's something FIRST should change by nationals. I'm proud to say that our team didn't play "fixed" matches. I don't see how other teams could do that and then say "Look at us we just went up in the rankings!" and keep a straight face. All-in-all I did think it was an awesome regional even if this post sounds like I'm complaining. A few fix-ups and it'd be perfect.