[Ricky Q.]

Wow, I can't believe that I haven't replied to this thread yet.

My first FIRST competition was the Midwest Regional in 2002. It was still held on Northwestern's campus back then, and had around 50-55 teams. Our team had made several drive changes around and had a nervous rookie driver (see: Myself).

We ended up going out there and having a great time. The robot was one of the quickest ball collector's out there and matched up with the best of them. We managed to seed 3rd and got eliminated in 3 matches in the semi-finals by that dang 2002 Team #71 BEAST machine. But it was a blast.

Some of my greatest memories come from that first competition: Winning the Xerox Creativity Award. Teaming up with WildStang in a qual match and winning 48-47, scoring 111 qualification points for them. Beating TechnoKats in my first showdown with them as almighty Andy Baker was field coach and Austin Butler was driving. And perhaps the best FIRST match of my career, giving up all 3 goals to the 71 alliance in our first semi-match but pulling 2 of the goals and their partner robot back into our home zone with :19 left to win the match.

I also got to see firsthand what FIRST was all about, I met some of my first FIRST friends there and most importantly, I was hooked. I had no idea what it would be like going into the competition, none the less being a rookie driver. It was amazing.