[Karthik]

It was all a dream...

For years, Team 1114 has dreamed of winning the championship. In 2006, we thought we had the robot and alliance to finally put it all together, but in mere few minutes it all evaporated. We were a wreck after that loss. I was a disaster. But we regrouped, came back with renewed focus and dedication in 2007. Then in 2007, we once again thought we had the robot to go all the way. Then the unthinkable happened. After the 2007 season we were heartbroken and angry. Our chances at winning the championship were literally ripped away.

I began to wonder, how many more chances would we have? Could we really be cursed? There was much introspection and self doubt after Atlanta 2007. In spite of it all, we moved on. We had to. Knowing that a team can only have so many chances to be on top, an immediate sense of urgency developed. We attacked the 2008 season with a singular focus. Never before have I seen a team so driven towards success. We constantly talked about execution. Every team member was single mindedly driven towards their goal.

Motivation. Our team was constantly motivated internal and externally. Every one of us knew how much the others wanted this goal, and this propelled us each to work harder. Our team is a big family, with everyone working to make sure that every one reaches their goal. No one wanted to let any one down. Then there were the external sources. Our team was maligned often this season. This only served to make us work that much harder to prove the doubters wrong. To a certain degree we took a Tiger Woods / Michael Jordan approach to it all, using the negative words of others to motivate us even further.

We had an amazing regional season, but we knew it would be rendered relatively meaningless if we didn't win the Championship in Atlanta. So despite all the attention, hype and the giant target on our backs, we continued to focus on execution. Every team member performed at the highest level this weekend. We were not about to let this opportunity slip through our hands again.

I can't even begin to describe the emotions we felt this weekend. There were so many spectacular moments. Clinching the number one seed on Saturday morning. Assembling the dream alliance of 217 and 148. Earning our first trip to Einstein by winning arguably the toughest division in FIRST history. Surviving so many technical problems to come from behind to beat the 968/233/60 alliance. Then finally finishing our ascent, and winning our first World Championship.

Right now I'm so high that I've ascended through the blue atmosphere and am about to ring the doorbell on the international space station. This feeling is truly indescribable. You dream of something for so long, that to a certain degree it seems unattainable. Anyone who knows me or the Simbots knows how badly we wanted this. There's nothing quite like this.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible. There's so many of you.

Team 217 - We've wanted to work with you for years. We learned a valuable lesson about your team in 2006. There is no better Saturday performer than the ThunderChickens. This team just knows how to win. No matter what adversity is thrown their way, they always find a way to pull it out. Despite technical glitches that would have derailed most teams, they just kept fighting back. Most teams would have given up with the electrical problems they were having (after winning Galileo, the team lost all power to their robot), but not 217. They stayed focused and came back at full strength on Einstein. Their last second places proved beyond any doubt that they were by far the best pick.

Team 148 - We wanted a second round team who had the flexibility to be both a lap runner, and a strong defender. When the fastest robot in our division, with strong defending capabilities became available, there was no way we could turn them down. For all the doubters out there, wait until the video comes out. You'll see that 148 was able to consistently slow down and shut down some of the most effective robots in FIRST. They also managed to play this defense without stooping to the dirty and ugly that we've seen from certain teams over the years. It was a true pleasure to work with the Robowranglers.

The Canadian Teams in Attendance - It was great seeing all those Canadian flags waving in support of us during the Einstein matches. We could even hear Waldo cheering for us all the down on the field. It was a true honor to represent our country. Just thinking about it all nearly brings tears to my eyes. Special thanks you our littlest supporters, the WAFFLES FLL team from Kingston, Ontario. The support you gave us at both GTR and Atlanta warms my heart.

The Simbot Supporters Across The Dome - The Championships were such a refreshing change. It was great having team after team come to our pit congratulating us on our design. Then there was the the support in the stands. Talking to our team parents, one of their most memorable moments was when they were leaving Galileo to head to the Einstein stands, and received a standing ovation from the fans of Galileo as the walked up the stairs. The support we received in Atlanta was overwhelming, especially considering the treatment our team has been accustomed to in Toronto and Waterloo.

A couple personal ones:

Mark Breadner - There is no more deserving winner of the Woodie Flowers Award than you. You've helped shape me into the man I am today. I'm grateful towards you for so much.

JVN and Paul Copioli - Winning the championship was everything I dreamed it to be and more, but part of what made it special was to win it with friends. You guys are awesome, and there's no one else I'd rather share this title with than you.

To all the Simbots - You guys have kept me going for the past 5 years. I've been through some ups and downs in my life, but you've been the one consistent factor. No matter what else is going on, I can always count on the Simbots to inspire me and motivate me. The bonds on this team are so much more than that of just being simple teammates. You are truly my family and my best friends. I look up to each and every one of you in different ways, both Big and Little Simbots. You help define the standards that I live my life by. There's really no other group that consistently makes me smile and laugh the way you do. This journey has been amazing, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us next.

Finally, I'd like to thank the few people who've been by my side and supported me at various points during this epic journey. Some of you may or may not be reading this, but you know who you are. I'm glad to have sat under Thunder and rain with you, and grateful too For sunlight on the garden.

In the words of Ric Flair...