Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseK
...Then there was Dawgma (1712), who helped build a rookie's bot completely from scratch on Thursday...
|
Thanks, but not entirely true. 2911 already had a functioning drive train and a manipulator 70% done. Which is ahead of the curve for many rookies, especially considering this team did not have the full six week build. We never touched the drive train and 2911 finished off the manipulator by themselves. Minor problems they had were software upgrades, the fact that their DS and controls weren't mounted, a few sharp edges, some wiring gauge issues, and the need for a BOM. Their major problem was that they had misinterpreted the rules and while the robot was well within sizing restrictions their manipulator extended well into and beyond their bumper zone. So, what we did with a few of their team members was help them modify their chassis to get them close to maximum footprint and find space to allow for front ball collection, while the rest of 2911 worked on finishing the manipulator. This led to two additional needs - two additional free spinning kit wheels and redesigned bumpers. Lots of teams came to the rescue with parts and tool use (Especially MOE) to get things done and just when our crew was running out of steam 234 came on in (congrats on the CA guys!) and took care of the bumper mounts.
Although 2911 never saw one practice match, they were fully inspected on Thursday prior to departure and were able to win a few matches, contribute to alliance play, and take home the Highest Rookie Seed (out of 12 there). Working with the students and mentors from the team was an experience that will stick with our team members for a long time. It would have been really easy for these guys to throw in the towel on Thursday and decide they didn't belong. That never happened though, and with a little guidance, instruction, and help they showed an incredible amount of perseverance time after time as the inspectors kept politely pointing out the "next" thing they needed to do. I don't think I ever saw brighter faces hold a trophy nor have I met a team more deserving of an award in my entire life.