5053 The Lakers had an unplanned Dukes of Stronghold moment early in the build season. The gif really doesn't do this thing justice:
https://giphy.com/gifs/5053-dukes-of...-jOyyATqwmrhxS
You need to see it in full resolution super slo-mo to appreciate the glorious torsional chassis flex AndyMark graciously provided in the 2016 KOP:
https://youtu.be/yFeuZaBvq9U
Since this was Build Week 3 event, this is ineligible for the valuable Dr. J award but I hope it serves as inspiration for all them other Dukes out there thinking about jumping that dang moat. Watching this clip again and again inspired us to cross-brace our chassis, build a wicked-strong battery bracket, Loctite everything twice, and counsel our drive team on more hardware-friendly options.
The work paid off in a successful run at Kettering this past weekend, with great reliability and no missed matches in spite of some occasionally brutal play. Although we still cross defenses with vigor, I don't think we'll match the air time on that first try. Fun to consider, though.
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(This episode of Dukes of Stronghold was filmed before a live studio audience made up of mostly horrified mentors, on location at a practice field provided by our friends, the Waterford Mott Corsairs 2612)
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