[AllenGregoryIV]

Texas will stay in the regional model for at least one more year. This email was sent out this morning to team contacts.

We have been working closely with FIRST HQ to determine our readiness to move to the FIRST Robots Competition (FRC) district model. We have many of the key capabilities needed to make the change to district in place now. However, in a state as large as Texas, we knew another year of planning, preparation, and fundraising would ensure a successful transition to the district model.

For that reason the determination has been made jointly between FIRST in Texas and FIRST HQ to move to continue to conduct traditional FRC Regional events in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Lubbock for the 2017 season. Additional FRC Regional events may be added this year in order to accommodate the anticipated team growth.

There is much excitement about the upcoming FRC season and we expect a strong increase in the number of students participating in all FIRST programs due to the recognition of FIRST robotics as an official UIL competitive program. Over the coming months, look for ways you can become involved by attending one of the upcoming FRC District informational sessions.

In the meantime, we are working with UIL to set the date and location of the 2017 UIL Robotics State Championship - FIRST Division which will take place shortly after the FIRST Championships are completed in Houston and St. Louis.

2017 looks to be an exciting year for robotics in Texas. With FIRST Championship taking place in Houston, there has never been a better time to be part of FIRST. We look forward to seeing many of you from July 28th-30th at the Austin Convention Center for the Inaugural 2016 UIL Robotics State Championship - FIRST Division.



Ray Almgren
Chair, FIRST in Texas