[Paul Copioli]

This is definitely the most competitive division I remember being a part of since I started in 2000 (although there were no divisions in 2000, but I digress).

History is not on our side in Galileo for a couple of reasons:

1. The winning alliance from Galileo has NEVER won the Championship.

2. Stacked divisions usually beat the heck out of each other leaving a cluster of uncertainty in the top 8. 2005 Archimedes, 2006 Newton (I think .. wherever 25, 111, 254, 968, etc. came from), and 2007 Curie are the examples that pop to my head. The "weaker" divisions with a couple dominant teams usually have a better chance on Einstein.

With that said, I think there are just too many darn good teams in Galileo that two great teams will be paired together and the second round selection will be out of this world!

I also think defense will play a more prominent role and separate the contenders from the pretenders. I will also predict that there will be at least one 2 regional winner that is not going to be in the Galileo Finals, maybe more because that is how stacked this division is.

I, personally, am very excited for this year's Championship and can't wait to see everyone starting next Wednesday.

-Paul