Texas Regionals

[Steven Smith]

Team retention still an issue if that 13 number holds and also what's being put into place so that 2012, 2013, 2014 drop-off doesn't happen again with this BIG batch of rookies?

I know its a minor clarification, but as I noted above, one of those teams is a re-rookie. Losing 12 teams out of ~130-140 veterans in my mind isn't "ideal" but it is sustainable.

In the Dallas area, that basically leaves us with only 1 true loss, of ~50-60 teams within a 100 mile radius. We definitely suffered from a lot of "easy money" from the JCP grants in the 2009-2011 time frame, but I think the majority of the teams that were struggling have folded. I see a lot of "2nd tier/3rd tier" type teams that are gaining new mentorship, doing more in the offseason, and just generally growing.

I know they are also piloting a new grant model where they pair rookies with an established veteran, and the veteran gets a grant based on their support of the rookie. This goes from the fall (planning) into the Spring (assisting with purchasing/design/logistics/etc), and is renewable for a 2nd year. I think this type of activity, that focuses on veteran mentorship of rookies is definitely a step towards sustainability.

Finally, Plano ISD has really been stepping their support of robotics, and are pushing to get it in more schools. This has support at the superintendent level, which is trickling down. Dallas ISD is generally a bit more disjointed, but I'm continuing to sense more support for robotics. The UIL endorsement really did make a noticeable change in how I interface with the district, and the "legitimacy" of our program in the district's eyes.