[J Hayashi]

I really enjoyed the regional in Tacoma. It was an incredible learning experience.

I cannot express my thanks enough to the staff and volunteers who ran the event. My team and I enjoyed everything from the competition to the team social. My hats are off to Kevin Ross and Deb Mumm-Hill for running such a smooth event. It was unbelievable how the administrators, inspectors, judges, refs, and even the people who had to remind us to wear our safety glasses in the pits were extremely pleasant and prepared.

I want to especially thank Kevin Reed giving up the opportunity to see the show at McChord Air Force Base to take out one of our student members to dinner on Friday evening. Your sacrifice was extremely appreciated.

Good luck in Atlanta to the Northwest teams: 1983, 2046, 949, 488 qualifying from the Microsoft Seattle Regional and 1318 and 1540 qualifying from the Portland Regional.

I want to give a shout out to the #1 seed, team 1778. You had an awesome bot and team!

I also want to give thanks to our Alliance Captain and top-seeded rookie team 2412 and other Alliance partner team 2002. After our dismal performance in the qualifying matches on Saturday, we were grateful for our selection on you alliance. I am glad that we were able to show our good side during the first elimination round.

We also thank the Skunkworks for providing a practice field. You guys may make a big stink, but it is admired and appreciated.