Jeez, where to begin now that I'm finally back from the great state of Indiana?
Chris Fultz and Andy Baker - I know how much planning the two of you put in to make this event happen. I maintain that it is one of the best events that I attend, and the two of you are the reason why.
Team 234 - Your parent group makes the back end of the event run like clockwork. Nobody forces you to put in the time and effort to keep the volunteers and judges constantly fed, not to mention another few thousand team folks. A huge pat on the back.
The entire volunteer crew, esp. Molly Menges, Jerry Budd, and Mark Koors - A smoother run FIRST event does not exist.
BAX Global - This event would not be the international monster that it is without your contributions.
Team 1024 and Lawrence North High School - What an awesome facility to make this epic event come to life. Your school is truly awesome and a perfect venue.
2007 IRI Judges and Mike Fitzgerald - Thank you for your patience. Being a Head Judge isn't supposed to be easy, but it was a piece of cake. Having Mike help us out from Workforce Development was a treat and I enjoyed meeting all of you... let's do it again next year?
Teams 1114 and 2056 - Hey Canadians, congratulations on winning the America's Cup.
Tyler coming up for the award while wrapped in a Canadian flag was also pretty freakin' entertaining. You guys are great.
A few general things I am thankful for:
- About a thousand hugs from my favorite FIRST folks.
- Being able to walk past a crowd and get a response to 'oink oink'.
- Head Judge... Matt Fultz, what were you thinking? (but thanks!)
- Dean Simmons and the Kamens: I was super excited to watch you guys perform. Lars is soooooo awesome, I want his autograph!
- Greg stepping up to the plate to help out the abbreviated 126 crew.
- RhodeWarriors being amazing friends and always fun to hang out with. They make even Indiana a blast.
- White Castle and Steak 'N Shake. That's all, just thanks for existing.
- 1720 folks... you guys always make me proud.
- You know it's an awesome competition (and well run) when my crazy grandma who is in her late 70's can go, have a good time, and keep track of what is going on.
- I am lucky enough to have this group of people - say, oh, about a whole 71 team - that are always encouraging, always happy to see me, and always making sure I am well-fed. They are the best support group any person could ever ask for, and some of the nicest in FIRST.
And most of all, thank you to Chris Fultz and the appropriate folks for allowing me to present and be involved with the Marcia Beatty Scholarship. It meant the world to me and was a very emotional moment. (Although I know Marcy would have laughed at me if she knew I really lost the script...)
Best. IRI. Ever. Offseasons come and go, but anyone who's anyone knows that IRI is it.
It truly is 'Where The Egos Come To Play'.
