[Yan Wang]

I spent my freshman and sophomore years as the Operator (ie button/arm driver). I was the driver in my junior year (only went to Canadian Super Regional) and still have that position this year.

Driving requires first knowing how to use the robot without thinking about it whether you're going forwards or in reverse. It should be like walking - completely subconcious. Beyond that, it's being able to handle the pressure and to think clearly while listening to a coach who does his job scouting the field and an operator who has worked with you either in competition or in practice. It's a team effort. My drive team consists of me (4 years on field), Alex the Operator (3 years on field), and Shu the Coach (3 years on field). Nine seniors and two juniors are leaving the team after this year so I expect to have prospective drivers practice with this year's robot a lot both this school year and in the fall. An offseason competition would be a great help too in understanding the pressure and how to feel unconstrained by a time limit. Just some thoughts.