[Marc P.]

2836 had an amazing time in New York! We had a pretty good run in the qualification rounds, until one of the kit wheel supports started bending inward towards the frame, causing our drive chain to lose tension and pop off in our last 3 matches. To top that off, a jaguar failed in our last quarterfinal match, preventing our arm from extending to hang. We've already replaced the failed jaguar, and are working up plans to fix the wheel supports, so keep an eye out for us at the Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional!

Bad mechanical luck aside, our robot performed better than we had ever expected. For a team going from not winning a single regional match last year, to an undefeated run through the qualification rounds, there was no greater feeling than seeing the smiles on the students faces as they saw their ideas come to life, and work so well. Students who in the build season sat back and watched others fabricate and assemble parts suddenly had their hands in the robot applying loctite to bolts, replacing master links in chains, and connecting wires all over. Everyone on the team was busy doing something to help out, eagerly talking to judges every chance we had. It was really a great weekend.

As small in numbers as we were, my ears are still ringing and my voice gone from the cheers after our robot scored a ball in autonomous, and hung for the first time. I'm almost deaf from the crowd cheers when an opposing robot flipped us over on the bump, and we were able to right ourselves with our hanging arm. It was one of the best regional experiences with a team I've ever had, where even through the problems the everyone stayed positive and energized, and we're extremely happy to have gone as far as we did in the tournament.

We had a great time working with all of the other teams, especially 341. Miss Daisy is an awesome robot with an unparalleled ability to navigate the bumps, zip around dodging defensive bots while possessing a ball, and score from just about anywhere. The people were awesome too, always willing to help out. Thanks to them, we were introduced to the link and a half as a much easier way to shorten our drive chain, rather than fuss with half links (which worked out really well, we came in with 5 half links, gave away 4 to other teams in need, and used the last to shorten the other drive chain). It was a great experience pairing up with you guys, putting up the NYC Regional high score of 11 points (12 before penalties), and we really appreciate the Best Team-Mate award! It's going up with the Engineering Excellence award in the trophy case. Congrats on the well deserved regional win, and the same to 694 and 3204/2265!

As for our alliance partners, not enough good things can be said of 395 and 1302. 395 has always been a classy team as long as I've known them. 2 Train always puts together a solid robot, and this year was no exception. 1302 fought valiantly until the end, playing amazing defense in a 2 on 1 situation in the far zone. We really appreciate the support from you guys in helping fix our chain. It was an honor playing with both of you in our team's first ever stint in the elimination rounds, and we apologize that our mechanical problems kept us from performing at our best in the elimination rounds.

It was also great being in a pit next to 1156, and so close to 759. I know there have been Canadian, British, and Brazilian teams for a while now, but in personally working side by side with them it really drove home the idea that FIRST is truly an international community, where no border, mountain, ocean, or distance can separate students, mentors, and parents from a passion for science and technology.

A big thank you to the field crew, inspectors, referees, queuing personnel, announcers, emcees, and all volunteers who did their best to keep things on time. Sometimes field problems can't be avoided, but you guys made the best of it and kept things moving, and did a great job of making sure things went as smooth as possible. Thank you Andy Baker for your services inspecting, and for being awesome. Just having you there was an inspiration in and of itself.

181, we're looking forward to seeing you guys again in Hartford, but on the same color alliance. We had a great time cheering with you in the stands, and hope to do that again in Hartford as well.

Even the lousy weather couldn't keep our spirits down, after having as much fun as we did. Thank you again, to everyone at the New York City Regional, for such a great time!