[Andy Baker]

The TechnoKats went out on a limb and took the trip to Toronto this past weekend. We had a blast, and were very happy to make the effort to go.

FIRST off, I am so proud of team 45. I don't usually toot our horn on these forums, but I was amazed by the effort from our entire team this weekend. The students worked hard all weekend. Our pit crew transformed our robot from "Katapult" to "Katawheel" on Thursday. This effort was led by our students and a couple of adult mentors as many adults volunteered to help run the event. Great job goes out to our student leaders Kyle Love, Nick Boyce, Michael Hill, and Timon Pike. You are our strongest student leaders I have been associated with on team 45. Our scouting crew had match data from each robot of each match on Friday... not easy since there was a 3-4 minute cycle time. Our drive team lost the first 4, but then won the next 4 matches on Friday (and shut down a top team during the last match) by working through adversity. Also, I would like to point out that 8 TechnoKat mentors and adults played MAJOR roles as GTR volunteers: Mark Koors was the FTA, along with Walt Porter from FIRST. Dave Brown and his son Tim helped with field setup on Wednesday (and teardown). Bette Anderson, a grandmother of a TechnoKat student, helped at Pit Admin. Carol Anderson and Barbara Sutherlin helped with queing. Randy Abney helped with field reset. Tim Boyce had the thankless job of being in charge of the Practice Field (it was crazy at times). And I had the opportunity to be Lead Inspector. All of these volunteers were happy to do their jobs. We were a small handful of the 140 volunteers at GTR. They represent our team's FIRST spirit well.

Mark and Rhona Breadner... thank you for showing us all how a family can be happily involved in FIRST. I had the great opportunity to meet your children and Rhona's father, and they are amazing people. Thank you for the support for our team.

Fellow inspectors; Abi, Nicholas, Pavel, Kris, Chris, Alistar, and Gord. We had 74 robots to inspect in one day (plus a few hours). You all were amazing, patient, and tireless. Thank you for your support, advice, and help with any issue that would arise (and patience with my exceptions).

Kim O'Toole... thanks for the taxi service and for helping with inspections. You jumped in and kept us organized when we needed it.

Tristan Lall... thank you helping with inspections and pointing out issues to inspect. Your eye is keen and you are clear with the issues at hand. Without your help and attention, small problems could've mushroomed into big obstacles.

Matt Berube... it was great to work a match with you again. Also, thanks for jumping in on inspection help.

John, Amanda, Paul, and Jen... was Friday night as special as I think it was? Amazing. That was one of my top 3 "nights of a FIRST event" ever.

Ken Patton... thanks for the advice and the kick in the pants.

Wendy Wooten... congrats on having another wonderful team. Keep doing what is good for FIRST, as your team does well.

Karthik... you rock. Keep on jumping.

Steve Warren... thanks for listening and thank you for helping out on Thursday with any issue that would arise.

Shyra and Shelly... thanks for the kilt!!!

Team 1620... it was a pleasure to get to know you all better. Rohan, you are a fine young leader. Some advice, though, with regard to your bumpers... wing nuts!!! Congrats to your team for making it to the finals.

Team 1281... thank you for the alliance pick in the finals. Also, thank you for being good customers. Good luck in Atlanta.

Team 1219... you are a classy group. Our team enjoyed being paired with you during the Q matches and finals.

Woodie... thank you for the grasshopper picture, and for being an inspiration to my whole family. Expect more drawings.

Vance... thanks for the invitation and faith to help out at your event. You are doing great things.

I made a slew of new friends in Toronto, and surely left off many from this list. I would love to return soon.

Thanks to all,
Andy Baker