Thread: Peachtree flip
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Unread 23-03-2009, 08:04
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AKA: Martin Wilson
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Re: Peachtree flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Y. View Post
I don't think it was anyone's intentions, but let me warn you on how this thread is starting to sound. "the 8th alliance beat the 1st alliance by luck. We should have won"
just a warning guys, watch your choice of words....
Everybody remain tranquil. I don't think anybody is suggesting that 2415, 2655, and 832 didn't deserve to win. You guys did an awesome job and took home the trophy. Nobody here is questioning that. In FIRST, winning requires a combination of hard work, preparation, smart strategy, constant diligence, and, yes, luck. The facts are that in three of the four matches, only two robots on the #1 alliance functioned for the entire match. Would things have turned out differently if that had not been the case? No one can say. Many can argue the point, but it cannot be proven either way. The argument is futile.

While nobody is taking anything away from 2415, 2655, and 832, I have witnessed much frustration among a group of hard working young people. For the second year in a row, this group built what was arguably the best scoring robot at Peachtree. For the second year in a row they were eliminated before the finals because of circumstances beyond their control. In 2008, a combination of a weak autonomous and reliability issues put them in a position where they had to rely on draft selection to even play in the finals. Their alliance partner broke during the semis and they were eliminated. It was a hard lesson, and they worked extra hard this year to avoid that position. This year, they built a bot that performed without a hiccup during every match, outscoring every other robot at the competition. Again, they were eliminated when an alliance partner broke (note that I did NOT say because an alliance partner broke). This is the way FIRST is set up. Coopertition has been part of the FIRST way of life since before anybody on the team ever heard of FIRST. No one team can win by themselves, it takes an alliance. Does this model represent real life? absolutely! I have seen many cases where the best idea, product etc. didn't win. For a good example, look up the Tucker automobile. However, real life lessons can be very tough on high school students that have spent 10 weeks sacrificing grades, social life, and sleep, only to find out that they don't really have control over the outcome of events. I hope that disappointment does not discourage anyone from participating in this, or any endeavor in the future.

As Dean and Woodie are fond of saying, it's not about the robots, or winning and losing, it's about doing your best, learning, and having fun. I know the whole team had a blast, learned a lot, and did their best. We are all excited that we get another chance this week at Palmetto, and I hope that everyone has a fun, safe, and successful event.
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