[rspurlin]

Some thanks and congratulations:

First, congratulations to 3025 for a great run, winning highest rookie seed by being #1 at the end of quals, and for being a regional finalist in their first ever event by captaining an alliance through some truly tough competition. Thanks to you for choosing us to share your moment of glory.

Congratulations also to our regional finalist alliance partners, team 2815, also a rookie who are cherishing their well deserved rookie allstar award along with their finalist medals.

Both of these rookie teams are very impressive and we hope to see much more of you in the future.

Congratulations also go out to team 1771, a team we share some history with. We hope we can strengthen those bonds as we both go forward. After some tough luck at Peachtree, you guys certainly deserved the win.

I cannot say enough great things about 2415 from Westminster. After winning Peachtree, you come north and take a second regional banner home. You're going to need a lot of wall space if you keep this up.

And finally congratulations to Team 21, a great partner for the two of our local teams I'm so familiar with. I hope to learn much more about you and see you again at coming events. I was the one who was honored to help you with your team pictures in the parking lot after the event. I hope they came out all right.

Congratulations are also due to both 1746 and 1261, teams we also consider close members of our local family. Beside both being excellently well run teams that consistently perform well, both overcame adversities in South Carolina to reach eliminations. I'm especially proud of all our Georgia teams that came to Palmetto and all five found their way to the semis. Seeing 1771, 1746 and 1261 together would be a treat at Championships.

I'd also like to add a special thanks to Clemson for their hospitality, along with the Palmetto Regional Planning Committee for staging an excellent event. Don't be surprised if you find some of your ideas adopted a little further south. The team social was great and hopefully a lot like what we'll do at Peachtree when we bring it back.