[FRC Blog] The Woodie Flowers Award and Two FRC Championships

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Madison

The competition is a game with rules and a score. It's objectively possible to be the best at that, so I get why some are upset that there will be two sets of "champions" at the end of each season.

The WFA doesn't, objectively, name one mentor as the best or anything. It's a recognition of their great work, but it doesn't do that by diminishing the work of others. I don't think it would be strange for two individuals to receive that honor.

Besides, they'll give a WFFA award to just about anyone these days*, so what's one more?

*Relax. I'm poking fun at myself.

I don't think it would be terrible to give the award to two individuals (lord knows there are enough outstanding mentors out there that deserve it!)... but you still have a question of logistics. What happens if they look through all the essays and say "These two are the top of the pile", then realize both of those individuals are going to be at the same champs? I definitely don't want to diminish anyone's contributions, but would you give the award to one person, knowing that there's someone else that maybe deserves it a little bit more but happens to be going to the "wrong" championships that year? I think sticking with one winner is the best route, and announcing it at whichever event they are at (preferable), or their team's home event if they don't attend champs.