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Unread 06-04-2010, 14:21
JaneYoung JaneYoung is offline
Onward through the fog.
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Team Role: Alumni
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Austin, TX USA
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Re: Sacrificing a State Championship for the Cause???

To add to what Rich is saying, I think it is important for teams to be able to compete to the best of their ability. Sometimes, that can mean playing against a deeper field of competent and robust drive teams/robots. Usually when the competition gets deeper/tougher, the teams can rise or be pulled up to the occasion. With Lone Star running so deep with teams who are still learning the basics in FRC and competition, they aren't well prepared as teams at this stage. If there were more "top level vets" that competed at Lone Star or were of the region, the process would advance quicker.

A few teams in Texas have learned the benefits of traveling outside the state to other competitions over the years. They have also learned the benefits of attending competitive off seasons. The majority of teams in Texas are still not at the point of considering a 2nd competition or traveling to other competitions, and off seasons aren't even a blip on the radar. Hopefully, teams will learn that if they want to deepen their competitive abilities, they will have to consider more options and take advantage of them. They will also have to deepen their knowledge in the technical and the non-technical aspects of running a competitive team.

I also think the competitions, themselves, need to stay sharp and stay abreast of what it takes to run a top notch and professional event. Each year brings change and opportunity, not only to teams but to events and to the program, itself.
__________________
Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller
(1880-1968)

Last edited by JaneYoung : 06-04-2010 at 14:23.