Quote:
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Originally Posted by Karthik
Team 1114 had a wonderful Championship experience and would like to thank all those who made it memorable. Thanks go out to, but are not limited to:
Team 70 - ....You have a lot to be proud of, keep your heads high and we look forward to working with you again. I'm sorry we couldn't win this.
Team 48 - From the moment the divisions were announced, we knew we wanted to work with you. Our teams have had an amazing relationship over the years, and they were made stronger in Atlanta. You played your hearts out, and I'm sorry we couldn't take you further.
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When I read his post, I got the impression that Karthik isn't really feeling as Karthik-like as he usually does right now(does that make sense?
). Well he probably would be embarrassed to read some of these statements in a public forum, but hey, there are about 1000 of his closest ChiefDelphi friends out there to support the guy whether he needs it or not, so here goes.
Karthik:
Stop apologizing! Team 48 was honored that 70 and 1114 selected us to keep the heat off of you during the Curie elims. Working in the trenches next to two of the most successful and prolific scoring robots in FIRST this season was an amazing experience, and I thank both 70 and 1114 for the opportunity. I am very proud of what we accomplished together, and while it's ok to initially be disappointed that we didn't get as far as we'd have liked, never forget the fun and excitement we experienced along the way. I'll never forget the smiles and downright giddiness displayed on the faces of our usually laid back pit crew students as they watched the events unfold, nor will I forget the extra spring in the steps of some of our alliances' more "youth-challenged" statesmen as they reacted to each and every heart-pounding moment. And I will most definitely never forget watching this bald, brown thin wisp of a human being charging up to us across the sidelines after the semifinals ended waving his hands and shouting "New Strategy!!!!!! New Strategy!!!!!!" as he rallied the troops for our Finals push.
You are so dang passionate, energetic, and competitive, you may view our performance in Atlanta as a failure, and it may be difficult for you to initially come down from that Red Bull-fueled plateau you were operating on in Atlanta. Well your team moved one step closer to Einstein, advancing to the divisional finals for the first time ever (and I think you beat 296 to that Canadian milestone by a matter of minutes
), all while completing one of the most successful competition seasons in FIRST history. Along with all the other wonderful hard-working mentors, teachers, parents, and students on 1114, you've guided 1503 and 1680 down the same path, allowing them to share in your success even as they are creating their own. Speaking with some of your sister teams' mentors this weekend, I know they have been inspired to take the next steps toward independence, and that they truly appreciate the foundation you have laid for them. Atlanta revealed to me the true success of the NiagaraFIRST partnership, and it convinced me that you are indeed inspiring everyone on your sister teams to build upon the foundation you've established. Never mind winning that Einstein trophy, THAT is something you can hang your hat on, buddy.
I hope you take the time one day to stop and reflect on just how many young people's lives you've positively influenced throughout your FIRST career in such a short amount of time. What you've accomplished at such a young age is amazing. You've even managed to teach a bunch of the mentors who are older than you a thing or two (or sixty). I thank you and all of 1114 for being such wonderful friends to me and my team and for serving as a great example of what dedicated, passionate people can achieve by working together in the name of FIRST. My team has learned so much from this friendship, and I am thankful I've had the good fortune to get to know you all.
So cheer up! Besides, IRI is coming. Maybe our three teams can reprise our roles and give this another shot?
I'd like to extend some addtional thanks and congrats to several before I wrap this up....
Teams 503, 451 & 1139 - Congratulations on a hard-fought victory on Curie.
111 - The most impressive thing about your team is just how many of your alumni now work for Motorola and serve as mentors alongside the old geezers who used to be their mentors back in the day
. Congratulations on a well-earned Chairman's Award!
296 - Canada represent! It was great to see some of our Northern friends break through and win it all.
217 - Great mentors, great kids, great robot, great team, great victory!
378 - THANKS so much for all your help with the camera and also for your support heading into the eliminations. You have a wonderful team that all of you should truly be proud of.
462 - FINALLY, we were able to sit down for dinner with our sister Delphi Packard team from Mississippi. What a great bunch of people.
Team 1305 - Thank you very much for the use of a few of your batteries during the elims. 48 must make a note to increase the size of our "battery farm" next year.
Ken Patton - Dang if you ain't one of the coolest, easiest guys in the world to talk with. I love well-known mentors (especially WFA's) who still get down and dirty with their teams in the pit. I've seriously enjoyed our conversations this season.
Andy Baker - Thanks for tracking me down on Curie to deliver the last 3XL Dean Simmons shirt you had. It's been a fun year talking with you too....I suppose......
Stephanie Thompson from 1503 - Thanks for snatching a Fort Erie pin off of 1680. I now have the complete NiagaraFIRST city pin collection on my SME badge lanyard (remember those?). Yeah, all of you are jealous. Anyway, you're a great leader and I know you're well on your way to guiding 1503 down the path toward greatness. Keep up the good work!
All the FIRST people I met throughout the weekend, especially Saturday evening (and those I have yet to meet) - What a wonderful time spent with amazing group of people. The mentors of this community truly are one big extended FAMILY, and it's great to be a part of it with all of you. Let's keep this thing going!