[Gui Cavalcanti]

Alright, all I've been hearing lately is that 2 goal grabbers and ball handlers are the only robots on this field that can possibly win. Everybody else apparently is a fluke. I strongly, vehemently disagree.

We started our build with Dean's message in mind; build your robots rugged, and make them able to take a beating. Our chassis initially weighed in at 80 pounds - 80 pounds of aluminum! There was angle around the edges for support, tubing through the center for additional support, a V cut in the front of the chassis for the one goal we manipulate to become a part of our robot, and all sorts of add-ons strength-wise.

When we got to VCU, we realized a lot of teams were going to be better than us. Ball handlers were numbered, but they were still viable competitors. The "succesful" goal grabbers could grab two or more (365 and 384, notably). We decided, since we could not rely on any system on our robot to magically win our rounds for us, that we'd have to strategize our way through. Our robot turned into one of those defensive robots you would see in 2000 - blocking entrance onto the ramp, keeping robots away from the troughs, etc. We ran defense in a majority of our rounds, only grabbing goals and making offensive moves when it was deemed necessary. In this manner, we rose to 5th seed, and our alliance (with 643, a ball flinger, and 316, another 1 goal grabber) went all the way to 1st place.

I'm not insulting 2 or 3 goal grabbers, or ball handlers, in any way. All I'm saying is that sometimes the little teams can surprise you if you're not paying attention.

My team has already begun strategizing for the new types of competitors we will meet at nationals; all the effective 2 and 3 goal grabbers, the excellent ball handlers (hats off to 157, 111, and all of you who know who you are). We can't wait to meet you on the field, wearing the same color or not. Just don't discount us.