Wisconsin Regional 2016

[Bruceb]

Originally Posted by EricLeifermann

Have you competed in a district competition or even been to one? What about IRI? Do you feel that event is less because its in a gym?

I thought the same things back in 2009 when Michigan 1st went to districts. I even fought heavily against it, though my reasons were more financial than playing in HS gyms.

I can say with 1st hand knowledge that competing in a gym does not take away from the experience one bit.

I can also say that districts help growth. Both on the amount of teams, but more importantly on the quality of teams.

Thanks to districts team 857, which I mentored in college, has flourished. They were a perennial one and done team occasionally going to Champs through signing up(when that was still an option) not earning it. They have earned it the last 2 years now and have won district EI twice I think, as well as being an alliance captain at champs this last year, and several district finalists, and other judged awards.

I have yet to experience a negative with districts. It is the best path forward not just for Wisconsin but for all of FRC.

First let me admit that I don't know anything about district events. One of the things my team always looks forward to in going to a regional is playing with teams from around the country and around the world. We have played with teams from pretty much every state, Canada, Isreal, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, China and Australia. How does that shake out in a district model?

[EricLeifermann]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

Eric, it's hard for me to accept your argument that 857 was only successful because of the change to districts. We both know team leadership, positive direction and focus plays into team success.

Team 857 is/was ran by college students. The only consistent leadership the team has/had was the high school faculty member, and he does/did very little in regards to the direction the team went.

Each year the team would have a new college student leader, and the team would be run a little bit different. So yes I would say that districts is a huge reason 857 is have the success they are seeing the since 2009. Being able to compete 2-4 times (DCMP and CMP) add a ton of time for the team to interact and learn from other teams. Especially the amazing teams in MI. 857 used to only go to the Wisconsin regional and then go home. Not once in the years I was on the team did we win an award or go to elims at Wisconsin.

Originally Posted by Bruceb

First let me admit that I don't know anything about district events. One of the things my team always looks forward to in going to a regional is playing with teams from around the country and around the world. We have played with teams from pretty much every state, Canada, Isreal, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, China and Australia. How does that shake out in a district model?

Team are still able to go to traditional regionals, there is also inter district play as well, and might I add Im pretty sure the interdistrict price tag is MUCH cheaper than going to a traditional regional as well.

Look at 125 thanks to districts they go to 4-5 comps before they even get to DCMP or CMP. The entrance price tag for teams to go to 4 or 5 comps for traditional regionals is $17,000-$21,000 in the district model its closer to 6,000 -8,000 depending on which price tag the district has for additional competitions (500 or 1000). Now add actual travel costs to that and its unattainable for 99% of teams.

You want inspiration and excitement for your kids, get them to more competitions.

Districts are also run Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun so mentors have to take less vacation and students miss less schools.

[Ernst]

Originally Posted by Bruceb

First let me admit that I don't know anything about district events. One of the things my team always looks forward to in going to a regional is playing with teams from around the country and around the world. We have played with teams from pretty much every state, Canada, Isreal, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, China and Australia. How does that shake out in a district model?

In a District model you play 2 small events, usually in high school gyms, to rack up points from wins, awards, being an alliance captain, etc. The top teams by points qualify for District Champs, where points double. Districts are given a number of Champs spots based on their percentage of the FIRST population, so at about 20% of teams qualifying, WI would get around 10 spots this year, or 13 or 14 after Champs splits. Teams then qualify to CMP from DCMP by points and earning other DCMP awards, like Chairman's or EI.

Like Eric said, you're welcome to compete out of state and qualify for Champs by winning a Regional. But, for teams like 706, Districts would virtually guarantee a trip to Champs every year, where you can see many more international teams. The big difference with Districts, and one of my favorite parts of the system, is that more of the perennial Finalists and consistent alliance captains and first picks make it, not just teams good and lucky enough to win a Regional.

Originally Posted by Sunshine

Actually yes. We have been to IRI and my thoughts were exactly what I write here. Wasn't impressed with the facilities at all.

If I'm inviting a potential sponsor for my team to an event or the regional planning team invites someone with deep pockets to an event; you can't tell me that they'd be more impressed with a gym than an arena.

And there is just something special for our students to be compete on/in a professional sports facility.

I haven't been to a District event, but I've been to small off-season events and 40 team Regionals like Central Illinois and Boilermaker (RIP). As awe-inspiring as competing in a big arena is, I really like small venues. You're closer to the field, closer to other teams in the stands, and I think the energy levels feel a lot higher. You can hear and feel every impact on the field. The pits are a 30 second walk from the stands. And, with more, smaller events, more teams have a "home" event that they don't have to stay at hotels for. I can't speak for the sponsors, but I think having more local events and still having a big, premier event would be a way to bring in even more sponsors.