GTR Thanks and Congrats

[Pat Fairbank]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Team 1503 winning their second regional of the season. Last year was a bit of a disaster for 1503. They'd be the first to admit they ended up with an over complicated robot that didn't perform up to their standards. But this year, they went back to basics with a renewed emphasis on simplicity and robustness. The result? 32 consecutive matches where they scored an ubertube in autonomous mode and two regional wins. To everyone who said "you have to have a floor pickup to win", their robot is the proof that you were blatantly wrong. Thanks to 1503 for serving as a nice reminder that simplicity and knowing your own resources are the key to being successful in FRC.

I have to chime in and offer some thanks of my own back to Karthik and 1114.

After our disappointing performance last year, I talked to Karthik and other Simbots during the off-season and asked them for robot design advice. They graciously invited me into their workshop (after I bribed them with baked goods) several times during build season, and acted as a sounding board for 1503's ideas. They prevented us from making at least one major mistake (sacrificing high-row scoring in favour of ground pickup) and provided many helpful tips on component sourcing and minibot design.

So to the Simbots, thanks for your continued mentorship and for having enough faith in us to pick us twice this year, and congratulations on #17! I know Steve would be proud.

[KF987]

Congratulations on your 3rd regional win this year! 1114 is a class act. Good luck with the National Chairmans Award. Your team is more than deserving!

-Keaton

[SprocketGuy]

Wow, what a weekend.

Big thanks to 188 and 1006 (Yay DDSB!) for being our amazing partners in our best run since our first year of Robotics. I don't think I've ever been so nervous/excited in an eliminations round as GTR 2011.

Congrats to 1114 and 1503 and 1482 for battling us all the way. I have to admit, when I found out 1503 couldn't pick up off the floor I figured they were toast...boy was I wrong. Also, I never thought tank-style drive would be as effective as both of you showed it to be in this year's game. You are both true champions.

I had the biggest smile on my face when I saw 3527 win Rookie All-Star. They deserved it and boy did they know how to party! They made it a blast all weekend hanging out with us, cheering with us, and inviting us to dance parties in the hallway. Go Juanito!

We also want to congratulate 2056 who stopped us in our tracks every other tournament, you are a force to be reckoned with and I hope you get your chance to truly shine at Championship.

Finally we want to congratulate our fellow Whitbians 1547 on a valliant effort, and a well deserved chance to go to St Louis. Waldo defines Robotics and we couldn't be prouder of our home town ladies.

It was a great weekend for Durham having their 3 teams finish 1 and 2, and we couldn't be happier here at Sinclair!

Rock it Like the Sprockets!