Quote:
Originally Posted by M217
Yes, their regional win streak is over, capped off at 23. But they still hold another streak, even more impressive than their regional victories, that I don't think this determined Canadian team will ever lose. They've managed to inspire us, all of us, every single year since their inception. And for that, hats off to OP robotics, perhaps the most inspirational team in FIRST.
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It is very likely that "streak" of inspiration that 2056 and 1114 have created lead to...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Streeter
The field in Ontario has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last 5-8 years, going from a relatively mediocre middle tier, to a very large number of highly competitive teams.
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So I think it is entirely appropriate that 2056 came away with a Chairman's Award. It rewards teams that have succeeded in changing culture. I have to think that raising the bar of the competition in the Toronto Region, consistently, year after year has to count.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sperkowsky
I once again disagree. Waterloo did not IMO have the highest level of play not even close.
Was it high yes highest absolutely not.
What did 2056/1114/5912 "gain". I see 2056 who lost a very long standing streak they showed straight faces on field but lets be real here they are upset. I especially feel bad for the drivers. Then you have 1114 who had their first year without winning a regional. Lastly you have a rookie team 5912 who probably is blaming the loss on them. The only thing I see teams carrying from this is knowing they were part of the reason the streak ended. Even if they really were not.
2056 is an amazing team with an amazing robot this year. The best? no. A championships contender for sure? Absolutely.
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What did 148 "gain" by going to Waterloo? I somehow don't think they went to win the "Quality Award". What did 118 gain by going to CTRE? They already had a ticket to Champs then won Rocket City and they are strong favorites to win Lone Star. What did 254 gain by going to Waterloo in 2014? They won a regional before and after Waterloo. All three teams had the opportunity to compete at Sacramento, Central Valley, Alamo, LA, Las Vegas, Dallas and many others. Other than 148 competing at Dallas and Alamo (their "home regional" and one in their "backyard") they chose Waterloo over any others. Having traveled to Toronto many times to visit family and friends, I know the travel cost are typically higher than other US destinations. One also has to deal with Customs and Immigration on both sides of the border and with international shipping for the robot twice. These three teams have long histories of thoroughly analyzing and understanding the issues and acting in appropriate ways. I don't think they went to take advantage of the low Canadian Dollar and to get TimBits. Perhaps they wanted dress-rehearsals for...
Quote:
Originally Posted by iVanDuzer
Off the top of my head:
Newton 2008 - Semi-finals
IRI 2009 - Quarter-finals
Archimedes 2014 - Quarter-finals
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Where most teams only dream of being able to earn the opportunity to compete.