[Andy Baker]

Team 364 was very spirited on Newton. There were others too, but Team Fusion's spirit was incredible.

Also... I was suprised by the limited number of teams who didn't stand up and cheer for other teams who won awards. In the upper deck, we gave a standing ovation for each other team who got an award, as did 364 and 111 (and maybe others). While we might not be the most spirited team during all of the matches, we gladly give standing o's when each team is called for their award. The lower deck seemed to have more people standing up for each award winner.

We did have the wave going in the upper deck. It was even bouncing back and forth. That was cool.

But, the group who had the MOST SPIRIT at the awards ceremony were the JUDGES. They kicked our butts! Did you all see how crazy they were acting? These business professionals, corporate leaders, educators and inventors were GOING CRAZY. They were dancing, throwing things up in the air, and whooping it up for each award winner. It was impressive. The judge's room must've had cases of Red Bull available to each judge. Maybe Joe Johnson* taught them all the "oooga cheer". I dunno, but I felt like I wanted what they were havin'.

Andy B.

* - While Dr. Joe was a Championship judge, I was sad to see that he was not announced during Friday's opening ceremony. Whoever had the list of judges to announce did not confirm that he was there until the last minute, I guess. If Joe was announced, I was looking forward to the Dome erupting in applause.