It's not size that matters [slight split from topic]
I hate to be posting so much on one subject.. but oh well...
I don't think it's necessarily 'numbers' that create the excitement in any competition...
Ask most of the people I know, they would say that they think a regional competition is better then Nationals anyday. I feel completely the same. Nationals is a little much in my opinion. Awe-striking, sure.. but too big to run into or even find easily people you know and spend some quality times playing with and against their team like you get at regionals.
And the atmosphere at regionals.. I'd say is more intense than virtually any match at Nationals unless you are in that pit in front of the stage for the finals.. and that about matches the excitement of every minute at most regionals I've been to.
That's why many teams are content with just going to regionals.. don't get me wrong, I love the trip to Disney.. but for competition purposes... i would take a regional over nationals any day of the week.
It's not the numbers that make the competition, it's the spirit, determination, and focus of the numbers you do have.
The first national I attended only had 74 teams and it was good and exciting and it just felt like a little bigger regional. 300+ is cool, but it just doesn't give me the adrenaline rush of regionals.
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Colleen Shaver (Traitor) - Assistant Director, WPI Robotics Resource Center
FRC190 WPI/Mass Academy (2001-Present) :: FRC246 BU/O'Bryant School (2000) :: FRC126 Nypro/Clinton High (1996-1999)

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