[PayneTrain]

After two long, non-stop days at the Virginia Regional, Team 422 ended the season with a 21-10-4 record, a finalist berth at the SunCenter in New Jersey and a semifinalist berth at the Siegel Center in New Jersey. Who would have thought that a team could build a top-tier robot in 12 days? We had a difficult time believing our own success in New Jersey, but finishing 7-1-1 after qualifying in VCU and losing in the semifinals after playing an intense 5 matches, we proved that our success was not a fluke and we were one of the best 120 robots in the two competitions.

"Ahab" (I guess we're calling the robot Ahab now) was a testament to the experience and determination the team earned over last season, and will hopefully grow into a regional-winning robot for the 2011 competition season. Nothing would be cooler for a team that went from zeros to heroes in such a short time than to book our trip to St. Louis a year early.

Thanks to everyone that came out to watch one of the longest and most grueling regionals in years, and congrats to the Engin3rds, Lambda Corps, Robohawks, Pascack, Blue Cheese, and Vae Victus on a great finals series. 697, 346 and 1895 definitely had the sauce to give the #1 alliance a run for their money, but it was clear 1676 brought the best bot back from Trenton. (we're a close second, right?)

Also, one more shout-out to the Jersey teams: you all brought three teams that model how every team in FIRST should be. No wonder you all won so many awards. I hope that all other 60 teams there (including mine) take your practices and methods to heart this off-season.