[generalbrando]

I like that idea. I don't mean to defeat it at all, but I do wonder how we could manage to attract more veterans to these rookie filled regionals. One thing that may attract them is the possibility for them to get an easier ticket to the national. On the other hand that would upset a lot of the rookie teams that see a rookie filled regional as their only chance at getting there themselves.

Ultimately your idea is more feasible and economical (the Monkeys definitely could not have afforded plane tickets). The team forum at the end of the season is a great place to bring up these points and possiblities. It seems like in order for the administration to make this kind of change, they would have to impose unfair policy, which I hope they would be reluctant to do. So, my question to anyone who can come up with any idea is: how can all of the teams and individuals help transform these regionals?

Inevitably the regional events need to be more like the national event in their purpose, message, and spirit. More teams are coming and unfortunately there will probably be rookie teams this year that will never make it to a national competition. We need to make these rookie regionals better.