[David Brinza]

Well said, Rich.

My team didn't make it to Atlanta this year, but I couldn't miss the event. My younger son is a currently a member of Team 16 and his older brother (a senior CS major at UCSB) is an alumnus of that fine team - they were both in Altanta. I inspected robots in Atlanta, mostly because it gives me a chance to interact very closely with a lot of teams, but also because I want to give something back to FIRST for making this program possible for our youth.

The FIRST Championship is the best celebration in the world for creativity, teamwork and hard work that I know of. Every team that attends is a winner at many levels. I get "recharged" for the next season at the Championship, mostly because I can look around and see how many people are being impacted in such a positive way by FIRST.

I think people who are still caught up in the disappointment and frustration of momentary events in the games will get past their emotions and remember the bigger purpose of FIRST. I've met so many outstanding people in FIRST who are passionate about the program. It's a privilege to be a part of the FIRST community - where else will you find so many people as dedicated and hard-working, yet having so much fun?