CHS Platter - The Real CHSy Champs

[1629GaCo]

Well, what can be said, other than, what a great event!!! It was well run and well organized. The matches ran smooth, the que lines were awesome, the volunteers did a great job!! Thank you all.

Once again, the referee crew was amazing. Steve Shade and his experienced crew should run all events, or they should provide training to the other crews!! They were awesome as usual. I think they have the toughest job in FIRST, and they excel at it like no other!

Team 836 - You all are amazing. Your team and robot were phenomenal. I know you struggled a bit with the changes you made early, but then poured it on when you went back to what you excelled at!! Your strategy, your driving, and your high level of play carried you all the way!! It was our pleasure to play against you in the quarterfinals, and give you a scare!

Team 1418 - Again, an amazing team with an amazing robot. You all have been consistent all year, and that carried your alliance to the championship! Congrats on whipping the competition at all of your events so far!! Good luck at Worlds!

Team 5804 - Not too shabby for a rookie, good driving and strategy!! Have fun at Worlds!

Team 1086, 384, and 1885, congratulations on your Chairman's awards!! All three of you were deserving!!

Team 540, congratulations on your EI win, you are quite an inspiration to all!!

Good luck to all teams from the Chesapeake District attending the World Championships!

[PayneTrain]

We're going to echo the shout out to Steve Shade. Our drive coach said he was just as good as, if not better than Aidan Browne. That's high praise. Please, everyone, go fill out feedback and let everyone know how great he was. We'll happily hoof it north of the Potomac all the time if we have to.

We are very thankful to have lost to the winning alliance of 1418, 836, and 5804.

1418 is the poster child for "get it done right, and get it done early." At the end of it all, we're still fiddling with a climber and they are holding up 3 banners. We never posted any videos publicly like they did, but we thought we had a blistering build pace until they started showing off their stuff.

836 is definitely what 422 thinks to be one of the crown jewels of the region. We are glad they are being recognized as a great program again this year after taking our direct strategic choices and grinding out a far better and more consistent seasonal performance with it.

5804 is going to be a real thorn in the side of anyone who wants to try to win an event while going up against them. They didn't win the rookie all-star but they are definitely the blue chip stock of the lot.

1086 is another one of the crown jewel programs in the region. It's great to see the region recognize them with another well earned Chairman's Award this year. Congrats to 384 and 1885 for their wins; I can tell you that we would have been shocked if it wasn't the three of y'all taking home that hardware.

346 is probably the most complete team we have ever played with away from the arch. They have the brains, they have the tools, and if the charter bus to a district event didn't make it obvious, they definitely have the manpower. One of these years we will win one of these coinflips together.

It's so awesome to see all of these great teams from the area shine now that the shackles of the regional system have been cast away, but we are really thrilled that 339, 1731, 4242, 1262, 5546, and 1137 are some of the programs that get to go to St Louis this year. Sure, three of them are our fellow Governor's Schools and we are very biased in that. 1731 built a robot that is just so unique and effective that it would be a shame to not see them again. 4242 has never had a chance to break through at a regional because of the outside powers that have come in there in the past to beat them down.

1137 comes from a county with fewer than 10,000 residents, sitting on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay at the tip of the Middle Peninsula. When you live in Mathews County, you go to Mathews High School. 1137 just slid into their spot in the rankings they earned it. This will be the first merit-based bid to the Championships for Rocket Sauce and we really can't wait to see them there.

We have been scratching and clawing for anything we could get all season, and I am really thrilled to see all the hard work the students put into this season pay off. I have heard rumblings and hearsay of influencers in the state some pretty disappointing falsehoods regarding my team. Despite my... difficult facade, it's really disheartening to hear student members on 422 have judges tell them that they didn't remember their Chairman's submission or have queuers who snap AT CHILDREN, or have referees who think it's ok to poke our student drive coach. We have loved districts but we have not loved that and left the appropriate feedback to the appropriate channels. Volunteers at the DCMP were some of the best we have ever interacted with; particularly in RIs, refereeing, and even safety advisors.

I am very proud of the work the students did this year. We operate in an environment where most teams would find difficulty gaining any traction at all. We work out of a 400 square foot classroom with enough mentors to count on 1 hand and still have fingers left. Finishing 5th in the system is definitely something we were somewhat expecting (I can say the goal was top 10, but honestly, it was just a ticket back to champs) but they grinded out every single point this year and they have definitely inspired me.

We were considering declining our captaincy to help maintain integrity of the predictions, but we called an audible and decided to try for finals. Thanks for a great year of entertainment; the students and I enjoyed your analysis.

[notmattlythgoe]

I have to say that I am very very pleased with how well the first year of CHS districts went. Stan and his crew did a fantastic job and provided a great experience to the teams. I have not been one to shy away from voicing my displeasure about different decisions that were made at different times but the event budget and events were very well done.

To all of those that worked on the steering committee and all of the planning committees, thank you and a job well done.

[protoserge]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

I have heard rumblings and hearsay of influencers in the state some pretty disappointing falsehoods regarding my team. Despite my... difficult facade, it's really disheartening to hear student members on 422 have judges tell them that they didn't remember their Chairman's submission or have queuers who snap AT CHILDREN, or have referees who think it's ok to poke our student drive coach. We have loved districts but we have not loved that and left the appropriate feedback to the appropriate channels. Volunteers at the DCMP were some of the best we have ever interacted with; particularly in RIs, refereeing, and even safety advisors.

Just to be crystal clear here, are you contrasting previous events (negatives) with the DCMP (positives)?

Also, I tried to get your team field carpet, but the students that came to the field left before the carpet was available. We ended up throwing all of the carpet out.

[gsesny]

As a mentor of Team 5804 I would like to also like to thank everyone involved in the competition and district this year. Although I help to mentor a rookie team I have been involved with FRC for several years and I will say this is the smoothest that an event at the Xfinity Center has ever run. I know there are a lot of people involved in this but one person that is a constant is Anne Shade. Great job! Every year it gets better.

I would also like to thank Steve Shade. Every time Steve is the head ref it seems like things run on time and smoothly with little controversy. Steve is a true professional and treats all teams with dignity and respect you can't ask for anymore than that from the head ref.

Rick Smith and his crew of inspectors do are amazing. Being an inspectors seems like it would be thanks less and you would receive a lot of flack. Rick puts good people out there and is always there to talk to about any questions you may have.

5804 had a dream rookies season with a simple and effective robot. Our strength was consistency and the ability to pick up balls and put them in the low goal as quickly as anyone. We also got lucky with such a tough field that we never had any mechanical problems. It was really fun to work with our kids who were starved for a stem program like this.

As great as the season was we could not have been as effective without the help of our alliances throughout the tournament.

Hampton Roads--So grateful to A.R.T--5546 and the NASA Knight--122. Although it took us until the semi finals to realize how good we could be--we rolled after that.

Doswell---A.R.T--you believed in us again and along with ORCA--3136 we pushed the eventually champion to the brink in the semis. A.R.T we are very thankful of the bond we formed with you. You have been great to work with and get to know!

Championship--We are so thankful to 1418 Vae Victus and 836 the Robobees. You believed in us and chose us with the last pick. We are eternally grateful. We are so happy to honor that pick with helping bring home the Big Blue Banner. Who would have thought that three low goal shooters would out pace the high goals. It was fun and stressful.

Our kids learned so much from everyone (too many to mention). There are some really great programs that have helped. (401--helping us getting our second camera going to help our vision with a few tricks). We are proud to represent Chesapeake at World's along with 24 other fine teams.

In our final thank you I would like to thank all the volunteers and staff and everyone that made this first year as a district possible. The season has been long. I personally have experienced more time away from my family than ever before which is tough....but in the end it is great for our area and I love that the best of the best from DC, MD and VA are all together in one place in early April.

See some of you at World's, see some of you next year and look forward to 5804 collaborating with many teams in an around Richmond and the district.

[RoboMom]

As Senior Volunteer Coordinator for the events held in MD & DC I want to thank the entire community for their support with the volunteer piece of making this work. This has been a long year figuring out the planning, recruiting massive numbers of volunteers, recruiting and training 3 new Volunteer Coordinators (shout out to Jen Scharl, Courtney Dunham, Mike Meinhold, and to our Volunteer of the Year - Jill Wetzel). This has not been easy - but when was the last time we ever did anything easy in FRC?

It is wonderful to read the compliments for a job well done by some very hard working volunteers.

My understanding is that FIRST Chesapeake will be sending out surveys in early May to the community. Please send your feedback so we can continue to improve the experience for the teams, mentors and for the event volunteer base.

I get to hang out with some really great people - from Maryland, DC and Virginia. You make us look good. Thank you.

[PayneTrain]

I'd the separate feedback the reason I haven't gotten an email for this specific event to complete feedback, or are we just getting that later?

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

I'd the separate feedback the reason I haven't gotten an email for this specific event to complete feedback, or are we just getting that later?

I got it while I was at the event. sending the link to you now.

[346CADmen]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

346 is probably the most complete team we have ever played with away from the arch. They have the brains, they have the tools, and if the charter bus to a district event didn't make it obvious, they definitely have the manpower. One of these years we will win one of these coinflips together.

Such Praise.. Thank you.
Wish we would have gone the distance with you.
Had it been moat (or sharp spikes) rather that rampart, who knows.
But we are ready for Worlds.
Wish 422 and all other CHS district teams at worlds, good partners and few repairs. Play Well & Have Fun

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

I got it while I was at the event. sending the link to you now.

Has a survey already gone out from FIRST Chesapeake or is this from FIRST HQ or some other source?

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by RoboMom

Has a survey already gone out from FIRST Chesapeake or is this from FIRST HQ or some other source?

FIRST HQ

[Liu346]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

346 is probably the most complete team we have ever played with away from the arch. They have the brains, they have the tools, and if the charter bus to a district event didn't make it obvious, they definitely have the manpower. One of these years we will win one of these coinflips together.

Had a great time working with yall looking forward to worlds see you guys there. I officially hate ramparts.

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by protoserge

Just to be crystal clear here, are you contrasting previous events (negatives) with the DCMP (positives)?

Also, I tried to get your team field carpet, but the students that came to the field left before the carpet was available. We ended up throwing all of the carpet out.

Yes, I am comparing the great job at DCMP to other efforts.

I don't have very many face-to-face interactions with volunteers either; the only major interaction I have is with the closest RI with a pen to sign off our bag and tag form. Our drive team and pit crew have the most facetime with the head referee, FTA, queuing, RIs, SAs, and judges. I just take the feedback they give me and make sure it makes the form. There is one instance this year where I had to step in during an event and try to recover a very bad interaction between a student following the rules and a volunteer abandoning common human behavior, but that's it, really. Despite my very public-esque presence on the internet, I try to be a hard person for anyone not on 422 to find at events on purpose. I'm usually just taking physical or mental notes in a corner.

With regards to the carpet, I don't know how the students expected to take it home, frankly. We nailed down our equipment setup after our packing methods imploded at 2014 Champs. Everything is designed to fit in the back of a long truck bed or 9' cargo van, with minuscule remaining space. We would have loved to have it but they sorta sprung the idea on me after they took it to you! We've tried to make a collective team effort to think farther than 5 feet in front of us but the cracks can still show.

---

I'd also be remiss if I didn't congratulate the two EI winners whose victories were well earned. 540 and 1629 have been and will continue to lock down whatever awards they put their minds to.

It's important to recognize 122 and 401 for having incredible rebound seasons after probably wanting to run their 2015 robot over with a boat on dry land like we did. Both of those programs have great bones in them and it's great that the district system helped them book a ticket to St Louis. It's pretty criminal 401 didn't win a technical award this year, too.

[tim-tim]

The district championship was a great event, much like the districts that we attended. Sure there were some hiccups and things that could have been better, but for the first year of a new system I think it went just about as well as it could have gone.*

We definitely learned a lot about our robot and approach to the game as the competition progressed. Our high goal shooter that was 2 hours old proved to need more integration testing and tweaks than we estimated. After Thursday, as a team we decided to take the shooter off and return to original configuration for the duration.

A huge thanks to 1418 for believing in us, both the robot and strategy. After losing the first quarterfinal match, it was reassuring that you decided to stick with the plan. 5804, you guys made for a great complimentary robot that allowed us to mix up the roles of each robot, as we adapted to the gameplay.

422, 346, 1262, and 1137 - It was unfortunate that 346 was unable to continue in the finals. The strategy you guys used was a curveball that took a while for us to figure out.

401, 122, and 2028 - Thanks for scaring me in semifinals! I knew it was going to be a tough matchup, and after the first semifinal I was nervous. 401's high goal is nothing short of awesome.

623, 1629, and 2363 - Two really good picks by 623 in the #8 spot. As that alliance was formed I knew our road out of quarterfinals became that much tougher!

Congrats to the Chairman's Award recipients 1086, 1885, and 384. Job well done!
Congrats to the Engineering Inspiration Award recipients 1629 and 540. Well deserved.

To the volunteers: Thanks for making the event a huge success! The volunteer team was very professional and easy to work with.

The referees were top notch, as always with a Steve Shade lead crew. I thought the competition was called consistently and fairly. This team did an amazing job in a game that has a lot of moving parts and interaction; not an easy game to ref, but you made it look easy.

UMD is a great venue, and after the tweaks that were made from last year I think it is one of the best venues. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. Having the matches on the jumbotron made it easy for us to keep track of things while in the pits.

It is great seeing this many teams from our area competing at the World Championship! See you all in St. Louis.

*Not counting the e-stop incident at Greater DC. This was an anomaly and isn't a reflection of the team planning/running the events.

[kjohnson]

I'll jump on the wagon here. FIRST Chesapeake's move to districts went well for the first year. There are still a few things to smooth out and I've made my comments to the appropriate people already. The District Championship was great, with a few minor exceptions that can easily be corrected for the future. Now on to the good stuff:

122, 401, and 2028: Thanks for some great quarterfinal matches. You really gave the #1 seed some competition in semis. It meant a lot to our students when 401 approached us afterwards and complemented how well we played defense and how unexpected it was. 401 has one of the best high-shooters in the district and we thoroughly enjoyed blocking it

1086 and 5279: Thanks for believing in us. We were thrilled to be picked at such a competitive event and we made a great alliance. We hope you can join us at Rumble in the Roads this fall.

1418 and 836: Your combination was simply amazing. Congrats on your win, and good luck in STL.

5804: After seeing you play in Portsmouth we called you the best rookie team in the district, and you definitely proved that. Best of luck in STL.

1731 and 1413: Our high-score qualification match was amazing. It's not often that a randomly generated alliance works that well together. I can't wait to see the video.

1629: Thanks for being great pit neighbors, as always.

1719: Thanks for your fascination with our robot.