Canadian supremacy

[Pault]

Originally Posted by cad321

Team 2386 from Burlington, Ontario (about 40 minutes South West of Toronto), although not a powerhouse team such as 1114, 2056 or 610 has most definitely been motivated by the powerhouses. Without these teams we would not be required to work so hard just to be able to qualify for Worlds. These teams make it so that other Ontario teams need to aim to do things that many other teams just don't need to because they don't have powerhouses near them forcing them to do any better. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely teams all over the world that strive towards making the best robot they can to perform best at worlds. That being said, why do more work than you need to if the motivation isn't there.

I can definitely see this as a big part of why Canada is so successful. Even though there are other teams out there who strive to be the best, its different in Canada. Why? Because teams build a robot to accomplish their goal for the season, and robot that was built with the goal of making it to elims will tend to turn out different than one with the goal to win on Einstein. For example, nearly every powerhouse team did not settle for a pure cycler. They knew that in order to maximize their chances of winning on Einstein, they needed to do more.* In Canada, because of 1114 and 2056, if you want to win a regional, you are going to have to aim higher than most powerhouse teams. Because of that, they are ending up with more and more teams trying to go above and beyond with floor pickups, 30pt climbs, etc. And the ones who opt to just cycle are going to try their very hardest to create a worthy cycler.

So, thank you to 1114 and 2056. Despite people complaining about how you hog all of the glory to yourself, there were people out there who knew that you were just pushing the rest of Ontario to it's limits. And this year, we can finally see that it worked. Because of you, FRC is a much better competition.

*Someone is going to come at me and say that 3 cyclers won on einstein, but 2 of them had floor pickups, and the finalists only had 1 robot that cycled: 469: arguably the team with the biggest bag of tricks this year.

[cad321]

Originally Posted by Pault

In Canada, because of 1114 and 2056, if you want to win a regional, you are going to have to aim higher than most powerhouse teams. Because of that, they are ending up with more and more teams trying to go above and beyond with floor pickups, 30pt climbs, etc. And the ones who opt to just cycle are going to try their very hardest to create a worthy cycler.

Exactly! This year 2386 bit off more than we could chew by doing almost everything, a 30pt climber, shooter and as always a great defense bot. We did this trying to be equal to or surpass the powerhouse teams. We could have succeeded if VEX had provided us with a critical dimension but that's beside the point.

Between Canada FIRST, amazing powerhouse teams and the WildCards Ontario teams have a great opportunity to go far in competition.

[jamierose]

At the Waterloo regional, I heard from Karthik that zero Canadian FRC teams bought Mecanum wheels this year. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Honestly, though, I think much of Canada's success comes from how much the teams work with each other. For example, 610 worked with teams such as 1241, 907, and 1310 throughout the season to practice and work on the robots. We also held a quick-build on kickoff day with several teams. I know that 1114 and 2056 also work with other teams in some way (or at least that's what I gathered from what Karthik said during the finals at GTR West in 2012). With some very good teams in Ontario and the high level of cooperation, this makes Ontario an example of successful Coopertition®.

[gr8dragon]

The teachers strike was really damaging to FIRST in Canada by removing a lot of veteran teams from regionals. The amazing part about the strike in my opinion though, is the fact that alumni/students/mentors, from teams that couldn't run this season, went on to help other teams. Personally I had the wonderful opportunity to work with team 1241 this year as a result. I think that in this way people have a chance to share how different teams run the season differently and take the best from here and there and put it together to be better overall. I imagine that if these people go back to their original teams next year, then they bring back all of this knowledge and can help their original teams do even better. In line with that is also that in Canada teams are starting to retain more and more alumni as mentors. I think that as a result their respective teams are getting better year after year. The alumni/mentor force is growing in Canada and is something I think that will help every team.

One thing I think that a lot of people may not know about Canadian regionals and teams is that, despite the rivalries all the teams don't forget to help each other out. At championships we cheer for each other, we share parts and we really do work like a community. To avoid sounding cliche, the fact that we can compete so much and compete the right way means that we can truly take the time to appreciate each others skills and be inspired by one another.

I would like to thank 1241 and any other teams that let members of "rival" teams join in their ranks. I am sure everyone else who had the chance had just as amazing an experience as I. It was truly humbling to be accepted into teams and be offered a job and be trusted to do what you do best.

As J -No said in his post big thank you to Canada FIRST for helping teams settle in during the strike period.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by gr8dragon

The teachers strike was really damaging to FIRST in Canada by removing a lot of veteran teams from regionals. The amazing part about the strike in my opinion though, is the fact that alumni/students/mentors, from teams that couldn't run this season, went on to help other teams. Personally I had the wonderful opportunity to work with team 1241 this year as a result. I think that in this way people have a chance to share how different teams run the season differently and take the best from here and there and put it together to be better overall. I imagine that if these people go back to their original teams next year, then they bring back all of this knowledge and can help their original teams do even better. In line with that is also that in Canada teams are starting to retain more and more alumni as mentors. I think that as a result their respective teams are getting better year after year. The alumni/mentor force is growing in Canada and is something I think that will help every team.

One thing I think that a lot of people may not know about Canadian regionals and teams is that, despite the rivalries all the teams don't forget to help each other out. At championships we cheer for each other, we share parts and we really do work like a community. To avoid sounding cliche, the fact that we can compete so much and compete the right way means that we can truly take the time to appreciate each others skills and be inspired by one another.

I would like to thank 1241 and any other teams that let members of "rival" teams join in their ranks. I am sure everyone else who had the chance had just as amazing an experience as I. It was truly humbling to be accepted into teams and be offered a job and be trusted to do what you do best.

As J -No said in his post big thank you to Canada FIRST for helping teams settle in during the strike period.

Aside from 188, what Canadian teams were not able to compete due to the strike? Curious how many were affected to that severity.

[Gabrielle62]

Being a Canadian team has definitely come with a great amount of pride this past year. From expanding FIRST into Alberta with a new regional, to world champions and IRI winners, I think it's safe to say we've all gotten a taste of what it's like to win up here.

As 2994 worked (and continues) to try to expand FIRST in Ottawa this year by starting up some rookie teams. Once we all competed and we were getting ready to hit the road, we asked them what the experience was like, and what they were going to aiming for in the upcoming year. They all agreed they wanted to work to prove themselves, and rise to the level of the "powerhouse" teams they got the chance to see.

So I thank all the "powerhouse" teams like 1114, 2056, 610, and 1241, for inspiring Canada, along with other teams around the world.

[Feroz1325]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Aside from 188, what Canadian teams were not able to compete due to the strike? Curious how many were affected to that severity.

All of these veteran teams from Ontario did not compete in FRC in 2013 but competed in 2012, whether it was due to the teachers strike or other factors I'm not sure.

Teams (total: 16)
188, 843, 919, 1009, 1053, 1219, 1221, 1246, 1404, 1514, 1535, 1605, 1835, 2076, 2198, 3739

[George C]

Originally Posted by Feroz1325

All of these veteran teams from Ontario did not compete in FRC in 2013 but competed in 2012, whether it was due to the teachers strike or other factors I'm not sure.

Teams (total: 16)
188, 843, 919, 1009, 1053, 1219, 1221, 1246, 1404, 1514, 1535, 1605, 1835, 2076, 2198, 3739

We were very fortunate to be able to give a home to 2 Grade 12 students from a team that didn't compete this year although it wasn't because of teachers' withdrawal of voluntary extra curricular services - there was no strike. That team stopped operating in September. One of those students is the lead designer of our very effective climbing system.

This has been our best season to date and yes, it had a lot to do with that job action. When we weren't able to operate at the school, Sheridan College took us in and gave us free use of their excellent shop. 1241 and 1325 also made use of the facility. We went from 1 small CNC mill and one lathe to at least 30 lathes and mills plus CNC equipment. We also went from 7 to 17 active mentors and no teachers were involved. This was because we worked from 5 to 9 plus Saturdays and people who work could get there. Alumni and parents of alumni also helped out. We even saved money because we didn't have to pay caretaker time as is required if want to work in the school on a weekend. The Oakville Yacht Squadron also gave us free use of their (mostly unheated) facility from January to April so that we could set up a pyramid. 1325 used it as well.

Because of shared difficulties many of the Ontario teams have formed stronger inter-team ties. The team mentor system also works to bring teams closer together. In Ontario for the past three years, rookie teams are assigned a mentor team to assist them in their first year. This usually develops into a very strong lasting relationship. The competition is fierce in Ontario. Come check it out next season at one or more of the 4 regionals.

[Lil' Lavery]

While Canadian teams are always incredibly competitive, 2013 was an incredibly strong season for Canadian teams. What remains to be seen is if 2014 will be at the same level. 2012 was an incredible season for MAR teams (25 winning the championship, 341 being arguably the best team in the world, and MAR teams winning several outside regionals), the performance of the region regressed in 2013. It will be interesting to see if Ontario really has replaced Michigan as the elite region in FRC, or if it was simply a incredible year from a good region.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

While Canadian teams are always incredibly competitive, 2013 was an incredibly strong season for Canadian teams. What remains to be seen is if 2014 will be at the same level. 2012 was an incredible season for MAR teams (25 winning the championship, 341 being arguably the best team in the world, and MAR teams winning several outside regionals), the performance of the region regressed in 2013. It will be interesting to see if Ontario really has replaced Michigan as the elite region in FRC, or if it was simply a incredible year from a good region.

It was a lot easier to be really good this year, in particular relative to the performance to the powerhouse teams, than it ever has been before.

[cad321]

Originally Posted by Cory

It was a lot easier to be really good this year, in particular relative to the performance to the powerhouse teams, than it ever has been before.

I too saw this. In previous years when I saw teams go up against teams like 1114 and 2056, it was clear that the other alliance had no chance (unless they were facing another powerhouse). This year there was a clear possibility in some matches where it looked as if the other alliance might actually be able to defeat the powerhouses.

Perhaps this is another indicator that this was one of the toughest games that the game design committee has given us yet.

[XaulZan11]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

While Canadian teams are always incredibly competitive, 2013 was an incredibly strong season for Canadian teams. What remains to be seen is if 2014 will be at the same level. 2012 was an incredible season for MAR teams (25 winning the championship, 341 being arguably the best team in the world, and MAR teams winning several outside regionals), the performance of the region regressed in 2013. It will be interesting to see if Ontario really has replaced Michigan as the elite region in FRC, or if it was simply a incredible year from a good region.

This was my thought as well. Many teams in Canada had 'career years'. I recall similar discussions in 2009 when Michigan had 4 of the 6 teams in the finals of Einstein. While Michigan has remained very strong, they haven't matched the success they had in '09.

[Jonathan Norris]

Originally Posted by gr8dragon

I would like to thank 1241 and any other teams that let members of "rival" teams join in their ranks. I am sure everyone else who had the chance had just as amazing an experience as I. It was truly humbling to be accepted into teams and be offered a job and be trusted to do what you do best.

As J -No said in his post big thank you to Canada FIRST for helping teams settle in during the strike period.

I think you have a really good point here Parth, I've noticed recently that students and mentors from 'competing' teams make an effort to get involved in another team in FRC when they leave (in most cases high school students going to University). I saw this originally when starting 2809, we founded with mentors from 610, 771, 1114, ect. and have had university mentors over the years from almost every large team in Canada.

We've seen this trend recently on 610, This year we took in 3 188 mentors (Kaj, Pranit, and Sharven, going to miss you guys ), Mr. Lim was originally a 188 student and coached 1310 for a couple years, and Nick Lawrence was from 1503. Looking at our recent graduates they have gone on to mentor 4814, 1310, 2809, 771, and probably others.

This is a recurring trend I've seen from teams in Canada, I think it's been really healthy for the growth and increased competitiveness of teams in Canada. Lets keep it up!

[Racer26]

I see the rise of Canada's second tier in 2013 basically as follows:

Earlier commenter is correct. These teams have been on the rise for a long time, but the old way of qualifying to Championship hid them in the shadows of the 1114 and 2056 juggernaut pair for a long time. The second tier in Canada is huge and keeps growing every year. The second tier used to just be 610 and 188. Now, the list is so long, I don't generally try to list it, because I always miss at least one. I can think of at least 16 that I consider to be on that list.

1114 and 2056 being the dominant powerhouses they are and sweeping Ontario regionals for many years has driven the bar SO high, that even being competitive for a title in Ontario essentially requires that you're strong enough to be a 'powerhouse' elsewhere.

1114 and 2056 not only set the bar high, but they continue to raise it each successive year. Wanna talk about a shocking number? 1114 put up an OPR of over 100 at ONTO2. Without a floor pickup. That means they put up their auto discs, plus three cycles, plus their 50 pt climb and dump, ON AVERAGE. This sort of bar-raising on a consistent basis means not only do the second tier have to be great, they too must continue improving to remain competitive.

There is definitely a LOT of cross-breeding of mentors and students among the Ontario teams. It would be an interesting thought experiment to tie them all back together in some kind of a map. Most teams in Ontario have identifiable ties back to 188 through either 1114, 2056, 2809, 1310, 610, and more. There are a LOT of mentors in Ontario who've been doing this for a long time, many of them not with their original teams anymore. I can think of several who've moved among the powerhouses, and some that have moved to create new powerhouses. 4343 has me, and my 10 years on 1075. 4039 has another former 1075 student. 4476 has a former 610 student. There's many more, I'm sure.

[Pranit T]

It was a wonderful experience for me at my first ever IRI event and I would like to thank Team 1310 for giving me the opportunity to come along and share my knowledge in the strategy and the scouting sub-teams. I was glad I was able to help out the team with my past years of experience with Teams 188 and 610.

And following up J-No's post again, and not just for this year (but I finally noticed it), mentors here try to be involved with multiple teams during the season to spread the ideas and bring to each team what a new look and a new set of concepts to work with. Personally, I have mentored Team 610 for the past two seasons and helped out teams 1241, 1310, 4039, 4069, and 4476 at different ONTO events with their pick lists.

And the assimilation of the multiple ideas has helped make Ontario teams a force to be reckoned with.

I am proud of what all the Canadian teams have accomplished and we'll see to it that the follow-up next season is at par or better!