Do any schools recognize their FIRST teams as sports?

[Wayne C.]

Hey Ogre-

It's too bad to hear that your school isn't coming through for you. Al is definitely right in getting the administration involved in the team. These guys get all kinds of requests from "clubs", usually wanting favors and money with little in return. I'll bet most of them have no idea what FIRST is about. How about showing them one of the FIRST videos if you can't get them out to the competition itself?

We just got a new principal last Monday and already he has a team shirt, an invitation to the Regional and has spoken to the newspapers for an article this week. He will support us whether he likes it or not!! (just kidding). His first comment was "gee- it sounds like that Florida trip needs a principal to chaperone."

As the teacher end of this thing let me say that I understand very well why teachers can get fed up with doing this. We (aka I)ALMOST quit in the fall of 1999 for lack of serious committment from the powers that be. Our successful 2000 season made all the difference and it was a lesson for me.

All I can say is hang in there and keep working to develop your team. Your team's success will come eventually from YOUR efforts. FIRST is worth the effort, isn't it?

If there is anything we can do to help feel free to ask.

WC