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Re: The Evolution of Chairman's Teams
This is an interesting topic to read and reflect on, even as we constantly evaluate our own program. Often times I think about what would happen if the 2016 version of 359 were to compete with the one that won in 2011.
The one thing that hasn't been discussed are the student presenters themselves. Yet, I believe it is one of the most important factors in competing for the Chairman's Award.
Similar to drivers/coach for the robot, the performance of your robot is only as good as the ones controlling/directing it.
Til this day, I believe we had one of the best trio of presenters back then. They knew our program and had the ability to present better than any mentor in our program. Our 2016 program would be at a disadvantage with respect to that. But today, there are many facets of our program that allows us to do more with less in terms of resources, mentor support (alumni), and outstanding students. Experience counts for a lot.
IMO, programs with similar characteristics of previous winners or within close proximity of other HOF teams can be at a disadvantage.
Teams from unique and different areas face many incomparable challenges. Its why we do what we do, to raise funds, to provide outreach services, to building a good robot, and ultimately our entire program.
Being from Waialua brought some tough challenges. We could never compete for the same talent pool of engineering mentors, funding support, and use of facilities from Honolulu businesses and private schools. But on the same note, it provided a greater opportunity for our team to not make excuses, work harder than the rest, and try to tackle the challenges that FIRST presented with much success.
In summary, I dont think the formula has changed over the years. The critical elements in what embodies the RCA or CCA are still there.
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2016 Hawaii Regional #1 seed, IDesign, Safety Award
2016 NY Tech Valley Regional Champions, #1 seed, Innovation in Controls Award
2016 Lake Superior Regional Champions, #1 seed, Quality Award, Dean's List
2015 FRC Worlds-Carver Division Champions
2015 Hawaii Regional Champions, #1 seed.
2015 Australia Regional Champions, #2 seed, Engineering Excellence Award
2015 Inland Empire Regional Champions, #1 seed, Industrial Design Award
2014 OZARK Mountain Brawl Champions, #1 seed.
2014 Hawaii Regional Champions, #1 seed, UL Safety Award
2014 Dallas Regional Champions, #1 seed, Engineering Excellence Award
2014 Northern Lights Regional Champions, #1 seed, Entrepreneurship Award
2013 Championship Dean's List Winner
2013 Utah Regional Champion, #1 seed, KP&B Award, Deans List
2013 Boilermaker Regional Champion, #1 seed, Motorola Quality Award
2012 Lone Star Regional Champion, #1 seed, Motorola Quality Award
2012 Hawaii Regional Champions #1 seed, Motorola Quality Award
Last edited by waialua359 : 30-01-2016 at 06:51.
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