[OZ_341]

My understanding is that Rookies, second year teams, and "High Number" teams seeking their second year of funding take priority. So I think this means that there are not many rookies at the regional that you are discussing.

For example Team 341 has applied for the past 2 years to receive our second year grant at Chesapeake, but have been rejected in favor of rookie teams both years. This is because there are many more rookie teams at Chesapeake.
(and they should receive these funds)

I also would not make assumptions about other teams finances. People often assume that we are well funded because we have big names on our shirts. We however receive only partial (and much appreciated) funding from these companies. The majority of our money comes from our own fundraising ideas.

Although we seem very together and organized, we barely make our budget each year. In fact last year we had to beg in our community to make it to Nationals.

Anyway this is my way of saying congrats to anyone that can manage to get a grant. It is a tough road for the majority of teams out there.