FRC Blog : 2017 Championships

[Michael Corsetto]

All,

First, thank you for your nominations in this thread. I'm honored. #corsetto2016

Second, Frank actually brought this up with me via email in May. This was my response:

I did see the blog and the listed ways that you will be inviting community members to participate in committees to determine which teams go where and how teams could opt to attend their "non-default" championship. Given the criteria you've been given by the BoD, this is a good solution for working with what you have. Kudos on making that happen.

However, I have little interest in these discussions in particular. Either CMP will cost us (and the rest of West Coast Teams) about the same for travel (North CMP might be cheaper since it's later in the competition season, but its a minimal difference).

Four months later, I'm in the same place. This group just isn't worth my time.

However, after some thought, I will recommend that the open slot be given to someone in PNW. I know, since almost 1/2 of FRC Teams can drive to Detroit, that teams on the West Coast will likely be assigned to Houston. However, both Split Champs Venues are even further from Seattle, Washington than St. Louis by car (by 3+ hours). Additionally, scheduling for a CMP with air travel during Week 8 is huge burden to district events. PNW is the only district I expect to HAVE to travel by airplane to either 2017 CMP. I think FIRST needs to work much more closely with PNW to make sure they don't get left out to dry. Side Note: Week 8 Houston CMP means California Districts are even more sunk...

Now, if FIRST is interested in starting a discussion group about the millions of dollars spent on expensive A/V productions at regional and CMP events on an annual basis, sign me up. There's a group that can make a difference and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of teams and educators Town Hall 2016 CMP? One can hope...

-Mike