Quote:
Originally Posted by cadandcookies
You cannot speak for every team involved. This is true of your team and your area, but it is not universally true. When I was on 2220, the state tournament WAS seen as a glorified offseason event by many of us involved. Heck, I've been vocal in the past about that view point. Since then I've come to appreciate it much more-- making state was HUGE for 2667 last year.
That being said, I can't say that an extra event for ~30 out of 208 teams is nearly as important in my mind as getting EVERY team a second play, and possible triple the matches (without considering extra events like Champs, District Champs, a third play, or elimination matches). Up until this year, 4607 has been in the same 1-regional club as 2667, and I know you guys have been in the same boat of having bad luck ruin your chances of qualifying for Championships. You know how bad it is to be in that position, and, since you've made it to doing two regionals, I assume you know how hard it is to find the funds to do another event.
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You are correct Nick - I should not have spoken for all teams in Minnesota. It is just that my team has our sights on the State Tourney every season. This is our main objective. And in the two seasons that we were fortunate enough to qualify - the other teams were all in to win it. A regional win (and it's qualification to the World Champs) is one thing, but to most school-attached teams, a State Tournament berth means much more to the local community.
As for my logic - if the team qualifies for the State Tourney, more than likely the team qualified for the Champs (or had been honored with great awards and finished high in the quals). So I always gear my kids up for a State Berth. Last year was a disappointment as our robot could not connect to FMS for 6 of the matches and browned out in 2. This year was different as we carried our alliance partners in the first day and then had to show our defensive prowess the last day.
I am optimistic that MN can get to Districts soon - and in doing so there should be a way that the 'District Championships' can also double as the MSHSL State Tournament. If this is a non-starter for either organization, then I feel that we will remain as a Regional area for some time - and that is a severe concern for the students and schools involved. At this point, there is little we can do about the problem.
I have been a MSHSL coach in multiple sports for over 10 years - and I know that sometimes the powers that be in that organization can be difficult. However, I am optimistic that with the strong growth of FRC in MN can help to sway some of the officials at the MSHSL office. A great concern for me is that there is no FRC/Robotics representation in the MSHSL office or in the MSHSCA ranks. I am also aware that they (MSHSL) do not want to set a precedent (as they have been sued a few times in the last number of years). This is a warranted concern.
For my part, I have been a coach for most of my adult life - and as much as I would like to think that all adults would look out for the betterment of student achievement, this is not always the case. But in the case of MN FIRST - and all of my dealings with them - they are truly looking out for the betterment of the students and the brand of MN FIRST.
I will end with this - FRC (and the CD Community) is amazing. Here we are debating what is best for the students and the teams. We are not arguing over trivial aspects - we are discussing (passionately) the potential growth problems of an organization that we all love. Where else do you find this type of discussion?