[Waynep]

The NJ Regional was a lot of fun. The seeding system and the resultant strategy was really confusing, but seeing the double digit scores in the elimination tournament is a testament to what the teams competing in Jersey can do when they band together.

Congratulations to 25, 1676, 3059. You guys were the alliance to beat. 25 had a spectacularly dominant machine and great strategy of play. 1676 you guys have been a rising star for many years, as demonstrated by the number of team members, the RCA, and now the regional Champions banner. You guys were the best draft pick of the regional and one of my favorite machines with how effectively and quietly you worked to change the game and put up major points. 3059 thank you guys for listening and going along with strategy when we played in quals and your ability to bang in balls in zone 1 was amazing. We were outplayed by a tremendous ALLIANCE effort and are humbled to have gotten to play against you.

Thank you to our alliance partners 2753 and 2180. It was amazing to look down the barrel of 3 loaded blue machines in autonomous. To see 6 balls advanced and 3-4 balls scored in auto in some of the matches was an awesome sight. 2753 thank you for your flexibility and coverage played. 2180 you guys were really fun to work with and we know had we had better ball flow feeding you guys things may have worked out better, but we knew that you were aces at your game. I still standby the fact that both of you gave us the best opportunity to go toe to toe with the juggernaut #1 alliance. We were honored to have you as part of our alliance and hope we will get to play with you again in the future.

To my students on 1923 and our new mentors: I am incredibly proud of you for all the effort you put in and the strides that you have made attempting to compete in many more areas than we have ever before. We've gone through a lot of growing pains this year, but you guys are redefining the team and I'm confident that you guys will be a sustainable, competitive team for years to come. Now get back to work and onto Boston!

1403 as many others have stated, the RCA has spent a long time coming. But each year, you soldier on broadening your impact within your school, community, and all the teams you encounter. You are a terrific representative of what a well rounded team who gets the bigger picture should be. Congratulations and go get them at the Championship!

Chris Gregory, brother you've been the guiding light for many teams in their darkest times. You show us what it means to always hold your head high and do the right things no matter how large of a challenge is in front of you. 1089s meteoric rise and accomplishments over the past couple of years is a product of your leadership. Even though you may not think you deserve it, all of the Mercury students, the WFFAs that congratulated you, and those in NJ that know you firmly believe you are. You are one of FIRST's greatest Champions and Heroes to many of us. Keep up the good work! In the meantime I'll keep looking forward to working with you as an announcing pair and keep making sure I ask myself what would Chris Gregory do in this situation as I look at things. You rock Mr. WFFA!!!!

-wayne