[Steve Ketron]

I just got back from Atlanta and have received excellent inputs about our event and teams saying that they are coming. I could very easily see our total teams reach 42. After consulting several mentors who I consider my advisory committee, I am going to keep the team total at 42 and have a waiting list if needed.

There were two major reasons for limiting it to 42.
One: I have figured out the scheduling for the event and with 42 teams I can still schedule each team for 10 qualififcation matches. I want this event to be an experience and I don't want to go under the 10 match number. BANG for your buck.
Two: Scheduling of more teams would require me to lower the number of mentor matches and I really like the idea of a full elimination schedule for the mentor matches. Us mentors like to have fun also and I really like giving the students the oppertunity to yell at the mentors and especially say' "What are you doing?" or "What were you thinking?"

I truely believe this is a fun event. Everyone who knows me has heard me say that my goal is to get this event up to 60+ teams. I really want that number, but I must consider all aspects of what we wanted to achieve with this event and put my ego to the side.

What this means to the teams:
With limiting the amount of teams to 42 there has to be some ways of picking which teams will get into the event if we go over the 42 team limit. The rules are very simple:
1.) The original 12 teams that attended the MARC in its first year are always guaranteed a spot as long as they apply and pay before the deadline.
2.) Last years winning alliance is guaranteed a spot the following year as long as they apply and pay before the deadline.
3.) First come first in : teams that apply and pay first are in.