[Kevin Kolodziej]

Thanks again to 1625 and 1730 for giving us a chance to play with the big guns! While it is unfortunate that we were never able to get our lift working, we're glad that our speed and defense did not go unnoticed. In the end, though, it's simply not possible to win an elim match when your alliance has no way to hurdle. This brings an end to the Ultimate Protection Squad's official FIRST season, but we're hoping to make it to some offseason events and show what we can really do!

Also thanks to teams 904 and 2039 for the parts to help with our lift. Sorry we couldn't put them to better use at the event, but know that they will not be wasted!

Congrats to John Wanninger for the Woodie Flowers Award. He possesses a passion and spirit for all things FIRST that can inpsire everyone, from the youngest student on an FLL team to the oldest mentor on an FRC team. It was an honor to present this award. I had goosebumps and had to choke back some tears prior to reading the award after hearing the "Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!" chants in the arena

Thank you to everyone for making this an event to remember. The US Cellular Arena was packed all three days and the competition was intense. It was great to see all my old friends and make quite a few new ones too!

And to all of you waiting for video, patience is a virtue! I have all of it and will be parsing as quickly as I can. I will get the elims posted first and then the qualifying will roll in as quickly as I can. I should be able to get through the elims within a day or two (I have a lot of FIRST time to make up at work now..)