[David Brinza]

Originally posted by Lindy
Not to be overly picky, Mr. Brinza, but I believe that was team 968 there, not 986.

And yes, I didn?t see anything that could be construed as ?collusion? during the SoCal regional. We posted that red flier in our pit as well. I actually found it fairly amusing that it actually existed and a team was passing it around? but it was also an almost sad commentary on the state of things when that sort of thing would be warranted, I believe.

Let?s hope that Nationals would be smooth and fair ride, as well, for all teams that participate (which won?t include us, unfortunately).

I'm sorry that I transposed the numbers for your Team 968. I spoke with your coach in AZ, and I know your team was wholly against anything that could be construed as less than a pure competition.

You've got an absolutely outstanding team and it's FIRST's loss that your team won't be in the Nationals. As champions of the AZ regional and winners of the GM Industrial Design award, there couldn't be a more deserving team to compete in Houston. Several of our students were surprised, then dismayed, that RAWC's won't be found on the fields of Houston. Fundraising is an under-appreciated aspect of FIRST, particularly for teams that have major big-$$ sponsors. Perhaps FIRST needs to consider a "financing plan" to help fund the teams who qualify late in the regionals for the nationals.

I'm sure Team 968 will continue to be a first-class FIRST team. You've got excellent ammunition to get a major sponsor. I hope you can attract a sponsor and even help field new FIRST teams in future years.