2012 Texas Robot Roundup

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Is there a reason you felt the need to call attention to 148 and point out they're only helping strengthen your region "to an extent"? If you asked teams in Ontario "which Texas team has most affected the growth and learning experience of your team?", the answer would most likely be a unanimous vote for 148. I'm not trying to "twist your words or turn them into something they are not" [sic], but I did find this call out, quite puzzling.

It's funny, I didn't consider 148 a call out. In my opinion, again, 148 has done some work in Texas, directly, to help with the fast growth and sustainability issues that the region has faced in the past few years, since the Dallas Regional came into being. They have done superlative work at regionals, like the Alamo Regional, as far as trouble-shooting, problem solving, helping to get the teams up and working... at the regional. If I were to make a complete list of teams that have contributed to developing programs that help rookies, young teams, and struggling veterans teams, before they get to the regionals, I would have to include other teams that were excluded from that short list, including 2158, the ausTIN CANs, who have donated the space and team energies towards the development of TRR in Texas. It was not meant as a call out or a slight. 148 moves and competes on the global level, regarding competition for the Einstein glory. John's work and contributions with white papers, Championship conferences, and one-on-one behind the scenes mentoring with individuals and teams, impacts the FRC community.

There are some teams that have traveled to 148's facilities in the past few years and have been worked with and mentored by the team. The standard of excellence that 148 maintains impacts teams that pay attention and who learn about 148 via competing with or against them or by word of mouth or through videos, networking through Facebook, Chief Delphi, and other resources that I am unaware of.

What the team actually does to help with developing the program in Texas regarding sustainability and team development for the teams that are new and struggling, is not as evident as their other initiatives.

Michael Blake just said, "There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...." John talks about the strength ranking and getting past the 5. As an FRC World Champion in Texas, 148 is in a very small minority with those bragging rights. We have one WFA in Texas. Texas is a very big state and has had a boatload of new teams come into the program over the past few years. There are also good teams and there are strong teams. There are no other 148s around that are capable of helping Texas teams understand the value of an all-around "Black Belt" level or... how to get to that level, in my opinion.

I was coming in here to apologize about posting again and to encourage Michael Blake to look into starting such a program, gaining the support that he and the team would need from World Champions, CCAs, and WFAs. By working to do that, it would also bring in some of the Texas teams who are consistently competing well and bringing home the gold and recognition, and the teams who have succeeded in achieving a sustainable program. The 7s, 8s, and 9s.

I have great respect for 148 and for their contributions. I also have great respect for the teams in Texas who are working very hard to strengthen their areas/regions to help the teams reach 3s, 5s, 7s, and oh my gosh, wouldn't it be amazing... 10s.

If I've rambled, sorry, Karthik.

Jane

Edit: Meredith, you posted while I was writing. That post is not off topic. It's actually a good topic. I would say though, that not all teams are receptive to help or assistance.