[Dan 1038]

I agree that there are teams that are perennial powerhouses; 1114, 111, 67, etc. In reality, veteran teams have a huge advantage over rookies - especially the "Power House" teams - as they have developed a systematic approach over many years to develop effective strategies and then executing decisively - younger teams lack the experience of prior competitions and are generally not as well prepared. That being said, I offer 3138 for your consideration as an example which refutes your claim:

- Rookie team with no FRC experience on the team at all, mentors or students!
- KISS design which performed quite well in Pitt until wheel issues in the finals hurt them, which they were not prepared for - rookie mistake they will not make this week at Buckeye, I would bet.
- #4 seed at Pitt, picked by the #2 alliance and competed well against 1114's alliance into the finals.
- Rookie All Star - they will be in Atlanta, based on thier performance, while several other veteran teams failed to get a bid...

Every year we see some teams execute flawlessly, but I don't agree that this year offers any advantage to vets that is not normally present...