Complete thanks to everyone who made this regional possible. I thought that graduating last year, not being able to be part of the drive crew, not being able to say that I was a student on the team would make the regional feel "different", feel somewhat diminished, but I know now that it is far far from the case. My love of FIRST is stronger than ever now, since I feel like I am able to spread what I learned as a student down to the students on the team now, despite the fact that I only graduated about 8 months ago. Try convincing some of the students on 188 sometime that I am a real mentor
Thank you to teams 843 and 771 for giving us a chance to compete again in the elimination rounds. We gave it a shot against a heavily stacked alliance. It was quite tough to be on the other side facing 610 this time instead of being allied with them and we wanted you to go all the way.
Team 4, I love you guys. It was amazing to see Guy, Joseph and everyone else that had come in 2004, that I had seen in 2005 in LA and back a gain this year. This looks to be as healthy an exchange as possible and something that will hopefully be a model for other teams around FIRST.
Thank you to Karthik, Amanda, Steve and Joel. I was impressed by the calibre of all the people that "worked" the crowd at the event. It is quite difficult to control the interest of an entire arena of people across people but you guys performed to very high calibre. I am even more impressed now by the fact that Joel had never called a regional before, I kept saying how his voice fit the role of a professional announcer.
To Teams 1114, 1503 and 865, congratulations. Another trouncing by 1114 and 1503 can only add to their growing lore throughout FIRST. If Team 188 was the Team Canada of the late 90's then Teams 1114, 1503 and 1680 respectively are the Team Canada's of the 21st century.
Teams 217 and 229, your alliance with 4 was the one of the most feared combinations I had seen throughout the regional and I was giving serious consideration to the thought that you would make it through and take the two wonder twins. It was a shame that was the semi's rather than the finals.
Team 772, I dont know if you heard our cheers from across the field just before the awards ceremonies, but we were gunning for you the whole time. Its been quite fun to see you through 3 regionals and we can only wish you guys the best of luck in nationals! While 188 isnt going, I along with our strategy head Adam should be in town to experience the fun. We will hopefully represent the other half of the "Seven Seven Who?!" Cheer!
To Shawn Lim and the rest of Team 188's mentors and indeed all mentors everywhere, thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be involved in FIRST and to continue being involved. I am proud to call myself a member of Team 188 and I am forever indebted to all of you.
It is quite easy to be emo when you feel this good about something
