[Al Skierkiewicz]

Dave,
Having been involved since 1996 and having watched the progression, some of my more proud moments were playing with and against friends and rookies alike. There is no doubt that the early games were exciting but there were very few teams so there was no need to keep excitement high and onlookers engaged.
The greatest rewards in the most recent years were watching rookies we had helped in the pits or mentored do well and get picked and have a chance to play. They may have not done particularly well but their design and strategy was noticed and they got to play. What is more important, they got to play along side some experienced teams who made them feel like they were immediately part of the bigger group, the First family. The alliance structure has been the single greatest factor in promoting Gracious Professionalism and in bringing rookie teams and their parents and mentors up to speed on the concept of GP. For outsiders, it is immediately apparant that this competition is something special and requires casual observers to investigate further. Frankly, I wish I had come up with this idea, but whoever did, I applaud them.
That being said, one of my most memorable moments came in the game where four teams played as an alliance. Although, this was not one of most favorite games, being able to set the world high score for that season with three friends was something very special. We are all on a big team named FIRST, playing as individuals will only take away from that. I am sorry, but put me down for keeping the alliance.
Al