[JVN]

Edit: Karthik beat my by 4 minutes. Apparently we think alike, and he just thinks a little faster. (Or maybe he types faster.)

I've got a lot of different perspectives I could chime in from. I've been a student, been a college mentor, and now I'm a "professional". The argument which gives me the most tingles is this one:

I'm absolutely thrilled that team 1114 and team 217 use adult coaches. Our students got the chance to work hand in hand with Derek Bessette and Paul Copioli.

This was a great thing, and one I'm thankful my students had the opportunity to experience.

Lots of people have quoted Dean and Woodie and Paul and whoever else in this thread. I'm reminded in particular of the quote "We want to live in a society where scientists and engineers are regarded as rock stars."

Well, let me tell you, our students got to stand side by side with Derek and Paul and see exactly WHY these guys are rock stars.

I guess if FIRST ever declares that adult coaches are against the rules, there are some students who will be robbed of all similar experiences in the future.

$.02
-John