[Specialagentjim]

Originally Posted by Arefin Bari

Mission Mayhem 2006 was yet the most risk taking but the most fun off season I have ever seen/worked on. Just a little background… On Thursday, the committee and bunch of other volunteer shows up at DeVry at 9 in the morning to setup. Tent went up by 3 p.m. Then the field. We were there till about midnight working on the field. Next day (Friday) we show up there around 7 in the morning to get the field up an running to start the event at 10 a.m. Everything was going smooth. We even ran the fun competitions outside under the tent. Then we had lunch. During lunch it started raining. Knowing the mayhem crew, they all go run out to the field and try to keep it dry. In about 10 minutes one side of the field was floating on water (about 3 inches off of the ground). It was a mess. I was to a point when I was about to cry to see this situation. Mayhem crew didn’t give up. While many people from other team and I were outside was there to make sure that the field is fine. Mike walker led up a committee with team 233 and came up with a new game while Mr. John Burke was talking to DeVry people to see what can be done. In about two hours, Mike and Billfred present us with a new game. All the plans change and we start moving inside. Crew was there till 1 in the morning getting the new field ready. Saturday was a new day. The competition ran very smooth and it was very exciting. Thanks to all teams for coming and sticking with us.

Now few people that I need to thank…


Mike Walker – It has been two years that you came down and took care of the field. You didn’t let any of us complain.


David Ellich – You have been a great mentor to team 1251 and a great friend to broward country teams. Anytime we have an event here, you always help.


Kent Stolley – You were only there to compete, but when the rain came down, you were the first one to go out there and tried to protect the field.


Billfred – You came down all the way from South Carolina to ref for us. South Florida FIRST committee appreciates you.


Andrew Rudolph and Tytus Gerrish – You two have done a great job getting the trophies done. Andrew is the man when it comes to make trophies. Not only that you helped for Mayhem, you have always offered your help for ANY teams in Florida. The state of Florida teams misses you.


Neha Batra – You have been by my side ever since I started working on Mayhem.


Dan Richardson – Thanks for coming out again and DJ for us both days. I don’t think I ever had complains about the music you play.


Sam Lipscomb – You don’t even live in Florida, but you never hesitated to help with the website even if I imed you or called you at midnight. Thank you.


Jaine Perotti – Your logo has become the official logo for Mayhem. Thank you.


James Payne – The Woodie Flower’s award winning mentor showed up to Mayhem and helped with putting the field together as well as taking it down. I have never seen this man sit down and breathe for the past 3 days. He also ran the concession stand.


Team 1251 crew – You guys have been involved with FIRST only for 3 years. Whenever I needed something, you guys never said no to me. Thanks for sticking with us this past weekend.

It was great to see all the teams come together and say that it was their competition and they want to compete. Teams made it possible. They stayed late, helped taking down the real field and making the new field. Team 233 worked with the game committee and came up with the new game. We have gotten a lot of feedback about this game and everyone seems to love it. I was always told that we are crazy (Florida people). I would have to agree with that after this event. We all worked as a team to come out with all the possibilities possible and still had a great event.

p.s. – I am very worn out from Mayhem. I am sure I have missed many people on my list. I will come back and edit this post if I need to add anyone else on the list.

What, just because I created a 1,000,000 point bonus for hitting you and a 5x multiplier for in the head for the new game exempts me from the list? sheesh, the things I do for FIRST.

Haha, but seriously, the event was AWESOME. All those people on that list deserve more thanks than anyone can give them.

All Hail Mike Walker, Robot Lifeguard. Always on duty, ready to jump in and save robots anytime, anywhere, and from anything. Whether its a fire or a flood, Mike will be there. Mike, I dub thee the official Robot Lifeguard.