[Eugenia Gabrielov]

I'm very sorry to hear about 1022. You guys are a really nice team.

I am on Team 461, WBI, in W. Lafayette IN. We are comprised of 2 local highschools, formerly 3, but now Jefferson High School is a separate team affiliated with the same Purdue University program.

Multi-school teams are only a hassle if you make them be a hassle. Here are a few tips on getting started:

Callouts are crucial. Make them informative, organized, and plan ahead. Provide calendars of meetings. Provide event information. Provide FIRST brochures. Make it fun, have free food. Do presentations for science classes where people may have interest.

Your concept of Slow Build is intersting. It has a few advantages and a few disadvantages I see. The main advantage is training. The main disadvantage is taht if you don't compete, it may be harder to get sponsorship. Here is what I would recommend:

If you are registered for IRI, bring potential members with you to see the competition and get them hyped for a great year. If you aren't, bring them down to watch. It's a great event, and a lot of fun, and in-state transportation is easier to handle.

Next year, only attend 1 regional competition, or 2 if you're close enough to 2. In-state is always less expensive than out of state, and Boilermaker is a great Regional.

Start training for build early in the fall. Train students specifically in what they need to know to succeed during build season. Train them in pneumatics, electronics, programming, information technology, and any other thing you choose. Make it fun. As a veteran, you have the resources and the experience to reach out and help new members. Use it, and things will go well.

Good luck!
- Genia