FRC Blogged - ‘Hockey State’? Not so fast….

[Carol]

How much support do you get from the state government? I've seen a lot of growth is programs like FIRST when the government is behind it - and the opposite as well.

[Jon Stratis]

I don't personally know how much support we get from the state/local governments. We have congresspeople on video at each regional, but I think that's fairly normal, and I think we've gotten a robot or two into the local capital building for demonstrations. Last year we were also recognized by the The Minnesota State High School League, setting up our own state championship, which occurs after Champs in St. Louis... it can confuse some people at Champs when Minnesota teams are bagging up their robots before taking them home!

[Bryan Herbst]

Originally Posted by Carol

How much support do you get from the state government? I've seen a lot of growth is programs like FIRST when the government is behind it - and the opposite as well.

Monetarily, I don't believe the regionals get anything (I know teams don't). The elected officials often show up at events (live or via pre-recorded video) to show their support though. They are definitely aware of us and support us.

[Travis Hoffman]

Psssh. The first ever "double regional" "exhibition" of two separate field winners was the 2004 Canadian Regional Finals, and it wasn't an exhibition - it was real.

Eighth finals, baby!

[jvriezen]

Originally Posted by Carol

How much support do you get from the state government? I've seen a lot of growth is programs like FIRST when the government is behind it - and the opposite as well.

I have heard that the double regional on the U of M campus doesn't charge FIRST for the venues (as long as they are scheduled during U of M Spring break) and the U of M gets lots of State money.

Our school district doesn't give us money, but does give us the build space, insurance coverage, and teacher days away from school for regionals.

[JohnChristensen]

Originally Posted by jvriezen

I have heard that the double regional on the U of M campus doesn't charge FIRST for the venues (as long as they are scheduled during U of M Spring break) and the U of M gets lots of State money.

The last two years of FIRST events in the Twin Cities have not been during the UMN Spring Break. This years events are not over break either. Are you sure that the CSE Dean does not get them for free as long as they don't interfere with Hockey and Basketball Schedules?

[jvriezen]

Originally Posted by JohnChristensen

The last two years of FIRST events in the Twin Cities have not been during the UMN Spring Break. This years events are not over break either. Are you sure that the CSE Dean does not get them for free as long as they don't interfere with Hockey and Basketball Schedules?

You may be correct. Which is why they are often on Easter weekend, perhaps.

[Bryan Herbst]

Originally Posted by JohnChristensen

The last two years of FIRST events in the Twin Cities have not been during the UMN Spring Break. This years events are not over break either. Are you sure that the CSE Dean does not get them for free as long as they don't interfere with Hockey and Basketball Schedules?

I've never gotten a solid answer, but I believe the deal is actually that the regionals get the venues for the price that a UMN department would get them for (or close). I am fairly certain they are not free.

[ks_mumupsi]

Is there a video of the exhibition match available?? Would be awesome to see it.

[ehochstein]

I took this video of it while I was on the field. Not the best quality but at least it is something! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N62y...e_gdata_player

[Jeffy]

Originally Posted by Wiifi

I took this video of it while I was on the field. Not the best quality but at least it is something! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N62y...e_gdata_player

Just the angle I was looking for! Thanks. What were the results?

[ehochstein]

133-136 one frisbee decided the match. When the score disappeared at the end of the match it looked like blue alliance won but when the score was counted red alliance had won.

[Kusha]

Originally Posted by Wiifi

133-136 one frisbee decided the match. When the score disappeared at the end of the match it looked like blue alliance won but when the score was counted red alliance had won.

I bet if red didn't play any defense, they wouldn't have won. Just goes to show you how important defense is this year.