[EricH]

Originally Posted by Beta Version

Well, if we go along with the ever popular Box, Triangle, Circle theory that the game pieces cycle through the three different shapes in the FIRST logo (which is startlingly true), we are due for some boxes.

There are two theories that are popular. One is the INfamous "water game." The other is the "FIRST logo" theory. The only years that it applies to are 2003-2005.

Breaking down the games:
1997: inner tubes, circular
1998-2002: balls, with the exception of the "floppies" in 1999. All circular.
2003: bins, square
2004: balls again, circular
2005: tetras, triangular
2006: back to balls
2007: Pool tubes, circle

However,there is another pattern, one that tells me we're due for balls again. 1999, 2001 (coopertition and a balancing bridge), 2003, 2005, and 2007 all have some oddball game object. Every other year has balls as the game object. We had an odd one last year, so we should be due for balls again this year. Boxes, footballs, and the like are due up in 2009.