[Alex Golec]

Beth hit it on the nose in her preface- this past weekend was the most amazing regional experience ever! The quality of the event, the kindness and enthusiasm of the volunteers and judges, and the fact that every single alliance had the capacity to win the event are unprecedented. Having said that, I do ask that you forgive me for the length of my thank you; an unbelievable number of teams and people truly made my weekend.

Phoenix & Martians (703 & 494) - It was an honor and a pleasure to play in an alliance with you two! Never had I expected to find myself in this dream team alliance battling it out through the finals matches. It was a tough journey, yet your talent and spirit helped see us though.

Lake Orion (302) - One of the best robots I have ever encountered! Even though we could not reform our Detroit alliance, luck and skill brought us back in the finals, and what an event that was.

Penguins & Wildstang (1504 & 111) - For pushing us past our usual limits and challenging us to play a fun game, you made the finals matches excellent!

Hopkins Vikings (2054) - When I walked into your pit on Thursday, I honestly could not have said what made me have the hunch that you would be the winners of the Rookie All-Star award. In retrospect, it was your enthusiasm for FIRST and constant optimism about the competition that made your team unique. Congratulations on winning the All-Star award; you truly have proved yourselves a remarkable group! I hope to see you in Atlanta!

Team RUSH (27) - Your robot never ceases to amaze me, (nor does the coincidental twin-like similarity between us) and it is always great to compete with you on the field. However, your team has gone above the just the field competition with your second regional Chairman's Award win. Congrats on this achievement!

Foley Freeze (910) - For a robot that astounded me in its fluidity and capability, and for giving us an award that merits the "Coolest Award" Award, thank you for all the skill and spirit you brought to West Michigan.

NEW Apple Corp (93) - A Reliable Robot. A phenomenal pit. Your team not only built some of the coolest devices I have ever seen, but was always willing to share your knowledge and show us the wizardry of your gadgets.

Killer Bees (33) - Your team never ceases to improve, and your performance at West Michigan was outstanding. Also, seeing you help 2188 all day Thursday and Friday was truly inspirational.

Thunderchickens (217) - Although you did not compete here, seeing you today cheering with us made me smile throughout the competition! Thank you for coming out to Grand Valley State!

Larry Lowell - Hearing the story of your dedication to this event was amazing. Thank you for the work you have put into making this event a success!

Susan Lawrence - As the regional director for West Michigan and elsewhere in the Midwest, she has always maintained a high standard for the events. Her diligence and hard work definitely made the West Michigan Regional not only possible, but also an unbelievable model of robotics competition excellence. Thank you for the countless hours you have invested in FIRST!

The volunteers - West Michigan boasts one of the finest field crews I have ever seen. They are without a doubt remarkably efficient at keeping the field running smoothly, yet always smile, cheer, and congratulate every team that passes though their realm. This event would not have been possible without you!

Everyone I met at the competition: It was a blast! Thank you for the energy and spirit that made the event live!

_Alex