Another Culture Change

[XaulZan11]

I can understand how people/teams 'hate' the elite teams. Me and my team's rookie year was 2006. At both our events that year were on the 8th and 7th alliance, and got absolutely killed by 111 in the first round of each event. We had no chance at coming close to beating 111, who went on to win each event. After the events and seeing a polished, professional robot, a huge team with a ton adult mentors on the field accepting their awards and Raul yelling at the drive team, it was easy to say "yeah, 111 has Motorola build their robot for them". I really felt Wildstang cheated. Thankfully, is not really my personality to boo or do things similar to what happened at Pittsburgh. Obviously, I don't feel that way now (even after they absolutely dominated Wisconsin again this year). I wish I knew when and what made my opinion change.

Walking back to the pit after Saturday's award ceremony this weekend a student from a team I respect and 'gets it', said something like Wildstang should feel ashamed and didn't deserve to win because no students touched their robot. I said something like, "nah, I'm not sure I agree with that, I'm sure their students put a ton of effort in." After reading this thread, I wish I would have taken a stronger stance and encouraged him to talk to their students about their robot. I do agree its up to the experienced teams, mentors and students to squash any of these negative thoughts and actions.


Teams like 111 and 1114 are what makes FIRST special. They provide an unthinkable amount of inspiration. Without 111, 71, 70 and 494, who were the best teams at my first events, I'm not sure I would be as involved in FIRST as I am right now. They continue to inspire and motivate 1732 to improve. After watching 111 this weekend, we are determined to improve to get to their level. Thanks 111, 1114 and all the other elite teams that inspire and push teams to improve.