2011 Virginia Regional @VCU

[PayneTrain]

I'm not trying to take anything away from any of the other teams, especially MORT, who got shut out of semifinals in both of their regionals because of the field and its rules. That has to really drag your team down.

I can only hope now that my team can grow out its operations, compete well in offseason competitions (maybe we'll go to IRI and see some great teams!), and hope FIRST cuts down on the red tape for next year's game. I think everyone would rather see the teams play the games out, with less possibilities for red cards, yellow cards, and other penalties.

Good luck to the teams going to nationals: 25, 1086, 1522, 1885, especially 1676. In two years, I think their team is going to be holding up the Chairman's Award in St. Louis. Model team, very well run.

422 is going to nationals next year, but we hope to take up a spot or two with some blue banners.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

After we get all of the gremlins out of the robot in Baltimore, the field gremlins reared their ugly head.

The field did some strange things. For example, we noticed that certain minibot poles reacted differently from others, and avoided them when possible. But compared to a week 1 event, all went smoothly.

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

my team was thoroughly impressed with 1676. They are truly a class act.

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

especially 1676. In two years, I think their team is going to be holding up the Chairman's Award in St. Louis. Model team, very well run.

Thank you for the kind words. The City of Richmond and the Virginia Regional are extraordinarily gracious hosts, and we tried to repay the support we experienced last year. Including bringing more of NJ with us!

The good:
2363: You guys are a class act. Your help to rookie team 3625 did not go unnoticed. A small part of their RAS award is due to you.
1885 & 540: What an alliance, we were truly worried and somehow managed to get lucky. Thank you for the most exciting competition ever. That EI isn't for nuthin'
3709: My adopted team. They fielded a solid robot, learned a lot, and went from a bunch of kids to a TEAM. Next year they will be awesome.

>> A special THANK YOU to all the teams who helped get them through inspection an onto the field for their first match. I simply cannot remember all of the teams who sent people and supplies over to help the rookies, but the kindness and GP you all showed made a huge positive impression on this team. They literally couldn't believe that so many different folks would want to help them, and were grateful beyond words for your help.

1522: A great team to work with, thank you for the very capable performance.
25: Do you guys realize that half your regional wins in the past 2 years were with us? We're gettin' tired of carrying y'all
1086: Winner last year, RCA this year, a great bunch of folks.
The event volunteers: A better-than-average team, very professional and caring.
VCU: Cleanest facility ever. Friendly, helpful staff who works with you and not against you.
Jamaica House (across the street): Best jerk chicken anywhere - and this from a guy who lives next to NY City...
(Note to other teams: This regional has a tremendous selection of food for lunch within a very short walk. Plus a Lowe's, Starbucks, parking, etc next door. If you're tired of arena food, come to this regional next year.)

The Bad:
The Ramp where we loaded in the pits. But only the uphill part

The Ugly:
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Observations:
The referees made a call that cost us #1 seed, and I truly believe that an experienced referee standing and intently watching from less than four feet away can see things better than ANYone in the stands. It may have been an unpleasant call, but not a bad one. Thank you to our head referee and the entire referee team for taking the time to review this call in detail with us afterward.

I saw several teams that consistently provided help to other teams, but more than I expected who didn't. Experienced, low-number teams whose students didn't go out of their way to assist teams in need. Just surprised me I guess, not what I usually see.

I can't say what 1676 will be doing next year, but there is a definite reason we returned to Virgina this year, and it isn't because we won last year. See you in St. Louis.