Third year in a row: 1678 and 1983 on Newton again

[Citrus Dad]

Citrus Circuits and Skunkworks are assigned to the same division for the 3rd year in a row, 2nd on Newton. Significance: The McCann-DeSilva family is well represented on both teams. Jim DeSilva was a WF district nominee last year for 1983 and my son Jake and I are with 1678. My sister Carol is traveling with the Skunks to watch.

In 2013 we went 1-2 in qualifying on Curie; in 2014 we met in the Newton division finals. We gave the Skunks half of our Einstein passes both years to bolster our cheering section (and hope they return the favor when they make it.)

We look to the Skunks for how to run our team. What's there not to like when they win 6 Blue Banners in one season before Champs?

[Navid Shafa]

I've always loved this ever growing story. Looking forward to seeing you and the Desilva's at champs.

A family that robots together stays together!

[Jacob Bendicksen]

That's fantastic! Maybe there's someone in Manchester looking out for you

On a similar note, I've had the pleasure of getting to know the Skunks over the past two years, and I'm always impressed by how down-to-earth and friendly they are, despite being a six-blue-banner-in-a-year team. Hats off to 1983!

[Jscout11]

Skunkworks is hands down one of my favorite teams in FRC.

On that note, I think it's fun to look at pairs of teams who always seem to end up in the same division.
I know that 11 has played in the same division as 469 for the past four years, and 987 & 2016 for the last three.

[themccannman]

Originally Posted by Jscout11

I know that 11 has played in the same division as 469 for the past four years

Coincidentally, we're looking forward to getting knocked out of einstein for the 3rd year in a row by 469 lol

[themccannman]

Originally Posted by Jacob Bendicksen

That's fantastic! Maybe there's someone in Manchester looking out for you

This is getting a little suspicious playing my uncle in elims every year...

[Nuttyman54]

You know one of these years it'd be nice to play with you not against you...

[Citrus Dad]

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54

You know one of these years it'd be nice to play with you not against you...

We need to quit building robots that fit the exact same role! Or maybe that's saying something about our design processes and how we think...

I remember in 2013 discussing with your scouts how we wouldn't be a good match before the draft and sharing our lists to strengthen both alliances. Last year, when 1983 got picked up by 971 as 6th alliance captain we (and 1114) knew that alliance was our strongest opponent, which was the case.

[Kpchem]

Originally Posted by Citrus Dad

We need to quit building robots that fit the exact same role! Or maybe that's saying something about our design processes and how we think...

I don't know, I'd be pretty happy with myself if the robot I designed was similar to the robot made by either of your teams....

[Thomas DeSilva]

Originally Posted by themccannman

This is getting a little suspicious playing my uncle in elims every year...

I swear I didn't do it

[Trevor Gardner]

Originally Posted by Citrus Dad

Citrus Circuits and Skunkworks are assigned to the same division for the 3rd year in a row, 2nd on Newton. Significance: The McCann-DeSilva family is well represented on both teams. Jim DeSilva was a WF district nominee last year for 1983 and my son Jake and I are with 1678. My sister Carol is traveling with the Skunks to watch.

In 2013 we went 1-2 in qualifying on Curie; in 2014 we met in the Newton division finals. We gave the Skunks half of our Einstein passes both years to bolster our cheering section (and hope they return the favor when they make it.)

We look to the Skunks for how to run our team. What's there not to like when they win 6 Blue Banners in one season before Champs?

I think there is a third team that has been in the division with us those 3 years; 3539. I need to find a tshirt trade with both 3539 and 1678 while we are still permitted to see each other at the same event.

[Wayne TenBrink]

The NC Gears (1918) look forward to being in between 1678 and 1983 in the Newton pits (not to mention all the other great teams in that proximity). Perhaps some of the greatness will rub off!

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by Trevor Gardner

I think there is a third team that has been in the division with us those 3 years; 3539. I need to find a tshirt trade with both 3539 and 1678 while we are still permitted to see each other at the same event.

The Byting Bulldogs from Romeo, Michigan... We were allied with them in 2013 and had a great run. A great team...

Richard, your post really brought a warm feeling to my heart. Your team has been a great inspiration to us and we always look forward to seeing you and working with you at CMP. It was wonderful to get together at Chezy Champs last year too.

I think it is precisely these "family affairs" that showcase how much FIRST really is one big family. My hat is off to the McCann/DeSilva Alliance and the opportunities and role models you bring to students both on our two teams AND on many other teams.

All the best to you this year at champs... we won't be far away in the pits.

Of course you know that we will be cheering you on whenever you play.
You are indebted to you for helping our students feel the excitement of playing on Einstein. My fantasy would have us both there together some day.

Good luck!!

[Citrus Dad]

Originally Posted by Trevor Gardner

I think there is a third team that has been in the division with us those 3 years; 3539. I need to find a tshirt trade with both 3539 and 1678 while we are still permitted to see each other at the same event.

That's cool! Yes, we'll have to get a photo of members from the 3 teams.