[Tom Hand]

It was a great time to be in Minnesota to be sure. As a mentor/member of Team 1987 (the Broncobots from Lee's Summit, MO) I speak for us all when I say we were honored to have been part of this new event. I thank Big Al the safety guy for being so kind and courteous to our team. Thanks to the Lawrence’s for such a great job, to Andrea for running a smooth show, and to the volunteers, the volunteer coordinators, and the Regional Director and her staff.

We were most honored and very humbled to be able to work with you all throughout the event. And most importantly, I personally want to express a heartfelt thanks to Caesar on Team 2500, the new team from the Twin Cities area. You asked our team to join you in the finals and by doing so Team 2500, you offered our Team an opportunity to do what everyone hopes to do someday. Along with Team 2227, the other alliance partner, we owe you an enormous debt of gratitude.

Thanks to all of you in attendance that stopped by our pit to see the Broncobot “catapulting robot”. It was so much fun to watch it work with other teams. When our guys got the chance to launch that ball over those overpasses, it was an exciting time. To Team 525 and 93, to name just a couple, you were awesome. You Robettes and Team 2220 and the Green Machine, what a great job you did and you should be proud.

And finally, thanks to the judges. I know how hard it is to decide who wins the awards and I am sure others there will tell you that, after watching who won them, you did a fantastic job, Thank you for being fair and for being so gracious and kind.

Tom Hand
Team 1987 from Lee’s Summit, MO