Elitist Teams

[Tetraman]

I wonder if these so called "Elite" teams know how they are perceived by every student and mentor in FIRST. And I mean EVERY student and mentor. I'm not going to type here and say that everyone's own opinion on a team they have seen 'talked about' is invalid; I think it's at least arguable to say it is insufficient.

Work with me for a bit - 174, the team I mentor, is having the best statistical year ever so far. And if you go back in our history, you could say we are reaching "High Tier" status. Not in any way reaching the Elite Tier of 1114 or 148 or 217 or 67 (to use examples), but I hope to think that our number and team is getting out there. Then I ask myself - what do I mean by 174 being "out there" in the FIRST public view. How are we perceived I wonder to myself. Are we the annoying team, the high caliber team? Do teams fear to face us, or call us overrated? And while I can go to each of my buddies from other teams and ask, getting mixed results most likely; unless I asked every student in FIRST how 174 stacks up, I'll never actually know if we are an approachable team, a kind team, a GP team or the best team.

I love 340. They are the biggest name in Rochester, and one of those teams I root for. 340 is one of those teams that I just became inspired by and I talk about 340 with a bunch of 174 students. But then one or two students in 174 can't stand me talking about 340 because they think 340 is just too good, too win-more, too celebrity. The question is this a fault of mine as as a leader to inspire a student, the fault of the student's false perceptions and misgivings, or the fault of 340's outward personality to a specific student. I can't tell.

I think this is the FIRST issue of the year - that some are overlooking opinions and perceptions because their own are just too strong to let go of. I get the feeling that the feeling of being inspired by these Elite Tier teams is becoming more of a personal event by fewer and fewer students and mentors as years go on, and replacing that lack of inspiration is a flow of resentment and bad blood (for lack of a better term.)