[Chief Hedgehog]

No doubt for myself there are a number of teams that have been our inspiration over the last 4 seasons.

The first of all is 1816. The help that they provided during our first season was incredible. Just look at what MN is now today - the reason for this is directly due to Green Machine and their hardwork to get this state organized and their involvement (spearheading) 4 strong regionals in the state. Their kids are some of the most professional that I have worked with. They are also responsible for starting the pre-season training sessions in MN. So much of what we do in Becker is because of this group from Edina.

2175 - without a doubt we felt like they were our big brother during our first competition season. They saw in our team what we had not yet - thank you. They took us under our wing and helped us create a great defensive machine that first season. They remain one of the strongest teams in Minnesota, yet they are from a very small school.

967 - another great team that helped us out in so many ways that first and second season. The trio of 2175, 967, and 4607 almost (depending on an errant piece of field) made it to the finals for the second straight year in 2014. I still talk to a number of the parents from those teams.

2052 - Oh man, KnightKrawler. This is the team we in Becker always look to come the competition season. We strive to match their gamesmanship and strategy every year. I never sleep well the night before the Week Zero CenturionKrawler event at Centennial - I just want to know what they have up their sleeves.

3026 - This team has caught fire in the last few years, and they will be a strong competitor for years to come. They put the eventual winners of the North Star Regional on the ropes this year in the Semifinals - losing the 3rd match by 1 point. From what I saw over numerous competitions, their robot was the greatest engineering feat in MN hands down.


I hear the music playing - so I must get off the stage... there are so many more that I would like to thank!