[cdennisxlx2]

I saw this thread and had to comment on it. First i would like to start by saying that i am a mentor for the team that had the two declines (1266). Second i would like to say that i was not with my team during that event, instead i was volunteering as the scorekeeper.

Now, i want to assure the Chief Delphi/FIRST community that there were absolutely no hard feelings from anyone on our team. Our drive team wanted to choose who they thought were the best choices first (just like most teams do), and both teams used their right as a captain to decline. They shouldn't be penalized or shamed for using their right. Both teams had their list of who they wanted based on their scouting, just like every FIRST team. A team should never expect to be on any top 8 captains list just because they are in the top 8 themselves (especially with the ranking like it is this year). Honestly I'm very happy with the outcome of the final rounds, my team did well and I'm proud of them.

We personally know and have a great relationship with the cows, and i would love to have a great relationship with all FIRST teams, regardless of whether or not we were on an alliance with them. We should all be gracious and professional, I mean i take great offense to ANY FIRST team being called "stuck up" or anything negative, and i believe there is no place for that kind of talk here or anywhere in FIRST.

And as a final note i would like to thank all the teams who came down to San Diego for a great event, and i look forward to seeing many of you in Vegas!

Respectfully,
Cameron Dennis