Suffield Shakedown 2015

[Steve Horn]

We finished building the field last night and we're excited for all the teams coming to be able to test out their robots on the Recycle Rush field. If you can't make it to the event this year, team 230 the GaelHawks are once again hosting the webcast of the event on their website. Just go to http://www.shsrobotics.org to watch the live webcast.

If you are coming to the scrimmage this year and are looking to help out, we are still looking for people to volunteer. We need people to assist us with field reset and real time scoring. If you are willing to volunteer, please come see me or Marc Davis at the scoring table.

We are looking forward to a great event and best of luck to all teams competing today. We also wish teams competing in other week zero events the best of luck as well.

[plnyyanks]

For those looking for a direct webcast link: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/8...events/3809589.

[MooreteP]

24 hours and 6 more inches of snow later....One of the best Suffield Shakedowns ever.

Thanks to the crew, especially Linda, Steve, Mark, Eric, and our new favorite DJ Massey from 3718 for improvising and providing an invaluable experience at T minus 3 days and counting.
The 5:00 minute matches and filler line queue provided for more time behind the glass than a team could hope for.

Standout Robots included the Gaelhawks (with a Robot worthy of the Talon name), Sachem Aftershock (we miss them in New England), Uberbots (coolest, quickest four stacker), DiscoTechs (tall stacks with containers), and Apple Pi (the swerve never dies). I could list more, but I am running out of parentheses.

The unique drivetrain from Rosie is worth checking out if you meet them at your competition. RoboSquad once again showed how important good drivers are. The Who'cCTEKS proved the adage that when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. I hope they can polish their design. Panther Project brought the most polished Robot with the highest Center of Gravity ).

I think our FIRST community owes Team 230, the Gaelhawks, a debt of gratitude for arranging their excellent three camera webcast. It is archived and will show many teams what to expect in their competitions.

Finally, Team 176, Aces High, a National Champion and perennial contender, for hosting this event. They do this year after year.
For all of us mentors and parents who have made the "mistake" of touching the inspirational vortex that is FIRST, the time and effort they put in to providing teams with this opportunity cannot be overstated.