I'm dredging up this thread because I just had an experience that I think relates to why I am in favor of adult FRC coaches. Sorry in advance for the long post.
When you coach FRC, you get to meet a lot of people. And lots of times, its more than just a casual, shake their hands, nod your head, see ya next year kind of thing. You are fellow competitors, sharing some intense moments as allies or opponents, and mutual respect and friendships sometimes develop. Students who know their coaches well sometimes get to know other coaches well.
Recently, a student who was mentored by some FRC friends of mine contacted me and asked some (imo) really important questions related to his education/future. I'm honored that this guy would come to me - I consider him to be a totally on-the-ball guy, and a future success. I met his dad in the stands while scouting a few years ago, and I know he has fantastic support in his life. So its not like he doesn't get good advice from his other people.
But he had questions that I'm probably pretty well-suited to answer. And because we know each other well, its a natural thing for him to ask me questions like this (he was asking about the merits of UniversityA versus UniversityB in the eyes of a potential employer). Heres the PM that I sent him (some info redacted to protect privacy):
Hi _____-
I would say that some, including me (and I hire a couple of mechanical engineers per year), would put a little more strength on the UniversityA degree. You have to remember though that I am not super-well-familiar with __ schools, so I am not going on a lot of info here. Someone with more insight from your state might have a different opinion.
In the end, if you had a good resume - and I expect you will - I think your grades at UniversityB, your experiences in FRC, jobs you have had, and any academic-related experiences (assisting professors on something, student competitions like FSAE or Mini-Baja, student associations such as SAE) you have had, will have a weight that is similar to the UniversityA vs. UniversityB weight. So there is no doubt that you can get an employer's attention at either school.
I hope that gives you some insight.
If you ever need someone to review a resume, serve as a reference, etc, count me in. Although you have some great ___ers who know you better than I do....
See ya,
Ken
I think the above example is a good reason why adult coaches are good for FRC. And I know, you don't have to be a coach to be in a position to develop these sorts of relationships... but I would not have met this young man if I had not been a coach, and if his team coach/mentors were not adults who became friends through the competitive FRC world (and also through CD! Thanks Brandon!).
I'm lucky to know him, someday I might even be lucky enough to interview or hire him when he "turns pro."
Ken