[Mark Pierce]

This years WMR looks to be a little different than past years for lots of reasons:

No team 67!!!!! They've been there every year that we've been a regional, and attended the off season events before that. It will not be the same without you!

This should be a real demonstration of the Kettering event's results: All seven rookie teams attended the rookie only event. There are also 9 second year teams.

We have more untested machines (23) than ever before.

23 teams have one previous regional event this year with 6 regionals represented. Their results this year are impressive:
4 have seeded in the top 8, 13 seeded in the top half
3 Finalists, 4 Semifinalists, 8 Quarter finalists
12 teams brought home judged awards. These include:
2 Chairmans, 1 Rookie All-star, 3 Entrepreneur and 1 Judges. Others are Quality, Innov. in Controls, Creativity, Imagery, and Spirit.

Although this the eighth regional, there were 5 unofficial competitions before then. Some of us remember all of them. I've written before about why West Michigan is special, but it's home to me. Maybe the team to ask is 888 from Maryland who is making their third appearance here.

We've always been a week 5 regional so maybe GLR will have more exciting matches this year, but I doubt if it will be boring. I've seen 70, 288, and 494 and read the reports on many others, The competition for on the field results will be intense. The judges, who typically are an amazing group of people, will also have some tough calls for the other awards.

I'm looking forward to a great week. I hope everyone has safe travel. Let us know if we can do anything to help you.