[Mark Pierce]

It is my impression that the Indiana FIRST group that puts on the Boilermaker regional still thinks the theme is "Raising the Bar". Here's my understanding of the history of this event: In 2004 the people responsible for IRI and the incredible Indiana teams figured out that "Raising the Bar" meant they should have their own regional the next year. The 2005 event was a great event, but when asked for suggestions on how to improve it the list was quite long. 2006 BMR generated a much shorter list and was a great event. Still not satisfied, the committee and all those smiling volunteers pulled off one of the smoothest FIRST events I've ever attended.

Earlier in this thead I predicted a great time. What an understatement. All of the staff bent over backwards to make sure things were done right and on time. To the helpful and patient inspectors, those visiting team pits making sure we were heading to our matches, the pit announcers, and all those behind the scenes: Thank You.

As I sat in the stands at Friday's opening ceremonies I couldn't help having doubts about the young people on the committee, doing MC, and play by play. These doubts were obviously unfonded. In fact, the play by play announcing was perhaps the best I've heard at any event. Which field will he be doing in Atlanta?

Unless they get a bigger venue, I'm really curious to see how they keep "Raising the Bar" in 2008.