[team1102a]

re: I want to give props to 1772 for offensively carrying their alliance through the finals. I know that the communication barrier gave them the short end of the stick during the finals selection, but they did the best with what they had, and they are a great group of guys.

As the game announcer, I spoke to 1772 about their selection process concerns, and I know a little bit about their 1102 links.

During selection, they were concerned that they were no longer being allowed to be captains after having deined the invitation to join alliance 5. They were happy to be captains and had their teams pre-selected.

Last year when 1772 came to Palmetto, they were broke and basically homeless with 2 weeks to kill until the Championships. Many teams at Palmetto adopted them, took them to their hotels, gave them cash, and bought them food. After Palmetto, 1102 brought them to Aiken and put them up in student and mentor housing for about a week. They have stayed in touch all year.

1772 wanted 1102 for their defense (and perhaps also as an expression of thanks). And the climber (2751 Spark) to round out all their scoring oppotunities.

But the #1 alliance beath them fair and square despite the unusual double-DQs. I still have loose ties to 1102 (as my 2 sons have both graduated). I can tell you that they went home quite happy, despite being so close they could taste it. Perhaps John will give a student perspective on the events.