[Mike Copioli]

Let me tell you a little story.

It was Friday night of the Michigan State Championship. Team 217 was gathered in a small room above Casa Di Copioli. Joining them were friends from the North and from the South. The battles fought earlier that day were brutal and fierce and it was now time to compile "The List". But who would be at the top? Would we even be in a position to need "The List"? With the depth of teams at this event, the only certainty was that nothing was certain. Almost nothing that is.

The pizza arrived and so did our friends from the North. We debated about statistics and performance. Defense vs. offense and shooter vs. dumper. Who would be available and who would be picked. Who we work well with and who would work well with us. The night was long and the discussions were heated.

Soon the Pizza was gone and the floor was covered with scouting sheets. It was a long night and we all had a big day ahead of us. But who would be our second pick? While this sounded like a difficult choice it really was quite simple. After all of the debate and all of the banter the one certainty that all agreed was that Team 65, The Huskies, would complete our alliance. That is if we were lucky enough to have them available. Eventually the room cleared out and the traditional post strategy Rock Band performance by Giovanni and Donovan ensued. Followed by a night of nervous anticipation.

The day had come we had all been waiting for. Saturday of the Michigan State Championship. The atmosphere was thick with energy, and spirit and all were focused on the prize. If I had not been told of the Final Four being in Detroit I would have never known. With an undefeated record on Friday and low ranking points a lot was at stake. Two wins were needed to secure our seat as the number one seed. Two wins were what we got. I was not an easy task.

With the elimination rounds behind us, the alliance selection soon began. I must say it was an unusual feeling being the number one alliance. A feeling that many of the teams present knew all to well. But this was an unfamiliar taste to team 217 having only been the number one seed once before in its 10 year history. With the alliance captains in position the selections began. The obvious first choice for any number one seeded team at this event was team 67. With a robot as solid as the team that built it, and drive team and coach as equally talented, it would be foolish for any team to pass up such an opportunity. As the alliance selection continued, our team waited in suspense wondering if our dream alliance would be realized. First 2 then 3 then 4 all the way through to 8 and still the huskies evaded selection. Now it was time for the dreaded serpentine every number one seeds biggest fear. With number 8 starting it off with team 68 finalizing their alliance. Next was 7 then 6...still no huskies...5,4,3..and then finally 2 we all waited with bated breath for 1918's final selection. Would they pick our husky allies? When they picked team 904, I as well as everyone on the strategy and scouting team knew what was to come.

Team 65 it was a pleasure and honor sharing the spirit of competition with such a legacy team. How such a high caliber team was overlooked is beyond me. I know I speak for all of team 217 when I say that we should be thanking you.

Ken, you have a great group of students that I am sure you are proud of. Students you are fortunate enough to have one of the most gracious members of FIRST as your mentor. Ken Patton or as we like to call him, Captain America is one of the greatest people I have ever met. His worst is better than most peoples best and he make the world a better place because of it. If the Woody Flowers award could be given twice you would have my vote.

Once again thank you,