Inspirational teams

[David Brinza]

Maybe I have a bit of bias here, but I believe across FRC you will find little argument that Team 16, The Bomb Squad, has been an outstanding inspiration for hundreds of teams.

My bias comes from the fact that both of my sons (Matthew and Clayton) were members of Team 16 throughout their high school years. But history and facts about Bomb Squad support my opinion.

Team 16 joined FIRST in 1996 and made Hall of Fame status in 2000, which means most of their current student members weren't even born before they reached the crowning achievement in FIRST. They first made Einstein finals in 2008 (with Clayton driving), then became Champions with Raider Robotix (FRC 25) and S.P.A.M. (FRC 180) in 2012. Along the way, they've earned 20+ blue banners and dozens of regional chairman's and design awards.

Their lead mentor, John Novak (WFA 2009), is recognized by veteran and emerging teams as an important resource and advocate for teams striving for excellence. Two other mentors (Brandon and Andy) are WFFA winners. Meredith Novak has built FIRST in Arkansas to its most respectable stature by convincing state legislators to invest in their students' future by committing to deliver access to this program across the state. The rest of their mentors, some of whom I've known for 15+ years, focus on getting their students to learn that success comes from effort and persistence. Bomb Squad members learn life lessons that far exceed the value of those blue banners and trophies.

In spite of coming from "the middle of nowhere," Bomb Squad has put incredible robots on the field for 20+ years and have left a legacy of success which continues to inspire teams across the world. If ever you have been their alliance partner, especially in eliminations, you've felt their enthusiasm and drive to be the best you can be. They've left a positive impact on our team and, if you've been in FIRST for a while, probably yours too!

Baxter...Bomb Squad!