[Rich Kressly]

Team 88 has been a long time attendee at the NJ event as 103 and many others have. In many ways, all of our teams "grew up" over the past seven years together which is what makes this event a real family atmosphere as well as a fierce competition. Kudos to the NJ Regional planning committee, Kim Keller and all of the people at J&J who have grown the event while maintaining its "true spirit of FIRST" feel for the seven years it has existed!

In 2002, our leadership (student officers and advisors) had to decide between Philly and NJ as the events were on the same weekend. Even though we are a PA team and we love the Philly event (2001 Champs and lots of fond memories thanks to Carol Kauffman and many others), we chose the event we had the most history with.

This is likely the same kind of tough decision TJ^2 is faced with today. The Tie-Dye, the large enthusiastic group, the quality robot and those big 88's have been a part of the Mid-Atlantic Regional for a long time. In the end, 88 will do what's best for them and everyone will respect that decision.