Match results are at
http://www.wpi.edu/News/Events/BattleCry/results.html
This was the tenth year of a classic off-season competition.
Discussing it with a three year team member, we came up with a good analogy: Regionals are a bit like a chain restaurant, the product is consistent, but not necessarily unique.
Battlecry @ WPI is more like a home-cooked meal.
The production is fantastic, they have a dedicated group of Light & Sound personnel made up of students and alumni that create an experience that feels like the culmination of an education in theater logistics.
Between matches, the field was dimly light by graphic and directed color spotlights. When each match commenced, the white floodlights came up illuminating the white regolith which reflected into the fieldhouse. A vertical LED Bar in front of the field sequenced the countdown. The music is appropriate, but more diverse. Not just the usual chestnuts, but a greater assortment.
Access to the Arena is remarkably easy. There were baseball and lacrosse matches being played on the surrounding athletic fields, an appropriate confluence. The BBQ dinner, human player contests, Friday night activities, (especially Hollywood Squares) added details to this competition that make a treasure.
Finally, the winners of Rhode Warriors (121), Trinity (40), and The Northern Force (172) was appropriate.
121 always brings an exceptional and inspiring machine.
40 finally got a much deserved win after coming so close at home (Finalist @ BAE NH), in Chesapeake (again, a finalist), Championships (losing to the World champions on Galileo in the Semifinals). Trinity's autonomous finally worked well, consistently scoring up to 5 moon rocks. This was the ultimate goal in autonomous, to locate and score before the humans intervene.
Northern Force, 172, is a team that has come and gone since 1996. They are definitely back. Their team Spirit is awesome, and they showed it @ BAE. They may just be the original pink team (171 < 233)?
The elimination match pairings (every team goes to the eliminations at WPI :-) ) are unique. The third alliance member is picked at random from a hat. In contrast to "the last kid picked" in gym class, the last team chosen here has the benefit of working with two of the best teams. Seeing 172's rep jump for joy and dancing after the other team was picked second to last was a hoot. Their website is well done.
http://www.NorthernForce.org/
Battlecry ranks with IRI as an off-season regional that carries the FIRST banner further. It is limited to 48 teams and always has a waiting list. If you have a desire to be inspired, Battlecry is on the menu.