2011 Philadelphia Regional

[Akash Rastogi]

On behalf of 3553 I would like to say a couple thank you's for the amazing time we had at the Philadelphia regional:

The Staff/Refs/Volunteers- despite our penalties and a red card in qualifications, calls were fair. The even was run smoothly and the staff was amazing.

272 and 834- Thank you 272 for taking a big risk and selecting us as your first pick for the 6th alliance. Your encouragement towards the other mentors and the driver was incredible, we are just sorry we couldn't help you reach farther into eliminations. It was fun while it lasted. Thank you 834 for being an AMAZING second round offensive pick. You had an autonomous that was more reliable than most of the captains, great work. 103 and 56, thank you for playing some heavy defense on us in the first quarterfinal match! That was so much fun to watch! Your strategy during our second match was incredible and we are honored to lose to such dominant and smart teams. Let's play again real soon.

Thank you to the teams who helped me personally with design and strategy all season such as 816, 357, and 1647. You guys are ALL class acts, and I look forward to continuing our partnerships in the future. Truly three of the best teams in the area.

Thank you to 365 for your help with troubleshooting with our pneumatics, again, such a class act. It was great talking to your mentors all weekend.

And finally, a thank you to everyone who came to our pit to talk to the students and mentors and give words of encouragement and applause for what we are doing at South Philly High School. Our Rookie All Star award represents what all of you recognized about our team, and the impact we have on our students. A woman came over (so sorry I didn't even ask what team or name but I think from 341) while just the mentors were in the pit, and said "So you guys are the ones from South Philly HS?.....Wow....I know all about this school, so what you guys are doing there is amazing."

THAT right there is what keeps us going.

See you all during the offseason and next season, and hopefully many of you in St. Louis.