"Fixing" matches

[pbarrett03]

Originally posted by Twisted
This happened at the Arizona regionals.The team that requested such a proposal also happened to make it to finals

That team also included the son of Microchip's President...

-Justin
Team 1223
Driver, Programmer, source of humor

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Sure, I do not agree with any point collusion strategies.

However, I do not think your comments directed at teams were necessarily fair, or in the mindset of a gracious professional.

I would first like to commend this unnamed team you attacked on their long overdue success that finally played out in the final rounds of competition at the Arizona Regional event.

Singling out a team that did not frequently participate in such an act is wrong. To the best of my knowledge, it is true that this team did play in a match that had a point collusion strategy worked out ahead of time. However, the team’s alliance knocked over the other alliances stack. In return, their stack was knocked over. Coincidentally, the team that knocked the stack in revenge later went on to become a seemingly self-proclaimed martyr in the whole matter of point collusion.

Furthermore, as a previous member of this unmentioned team, I feel it my duty to defend this team that represents what I believe Dean Kamen designed FIRST to represent. The members and mentors have an extraordinary work ethic. This team reaching success is not any surprise to me. The combination of the extraordinary amount of talent that the team possesses, unbelievably dedicated faculty and mentor support has been due for success since its founding almost 5 years ago.

But more importantly, I find any attacks on their integrity to be downright wrong and offensive. From my experiences with mentors and members alike, I have found nothing but the embodiment of what FIRST really means. Truly gracious people working to help me not only learn about the principles of science and how fun it can be, but also about teamwork and gracious professionalism. Their efforts to expand the ideals of FIRST to as many people as possible, over the past years, has impressed me. I can only say that I am happy and proud for finally being able to reap the benefits of their efforts at the Arizona Regional.

As far as the participation of the student in question… this is a true act of gracious professionalism. The team offered for a student to participate in a program that was not offered at his school. The offer to allow participation to this student spread the ideals of FIRST to another person who would not have been able to otherwise participate. You should not criticize the team you attack for allowing the student to participate in a program that helps us grow as people in an environment that keeps sacred such high goals as teamwork and gracious professionalism.

All of this “insight” comes from the perspective of a veteran of three years. I stood behind you and watched the alliance in you speak poorly of edge my team, as well as yours Justin, out of the tournament. While this is upsetting, there is no question in my mind that the other alliance won by playing fairly.

Please do not try to bring down this team during a moment of celebration. Their success has been well earned and overdue.

I would like to finish by saying congratulations to the winners of the 2003 Arizona Regional - I hope to see you in Houston!!!