PCH 2017

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by PCH Uniformerer

To sum it all up, HELP EACH OTHER, if for no other reason than to make your team look better after winning a district event.

Eh, you're on the right track, but I don't think there's any lack of support, either from GA FIRST or from other FRC teams in the PCH district.

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

To offer some food for thought: Many teams here in GA lack resources, whether it is money, mentors, or build space. But there are several teams that lack for none of these - I am certain you can think of a few. Why aren't these teams competitive at a National level?

Well, ain't that the million dollar question.

Obviously, there are the basics of why a team isn't as successful as it wants to be:
1. Money
2. Mentors
3. Resources
4. Support (Community & School)

However, as you've said, there are teams that have plenty of all 5 and yet, we're still having this discussion. So obviously there are components that are subtle in nature but very important to the secret sauce of what makes a team truly great.

I think one of the more subtle components is ensuring that your team has a culture of competition. Now, PCH has some very competitive teams, but having a competitive culture goes above and beyond simply wanting to win.

A team with competitive culture...
...recognizes competition as an asset, not as a hindrance.
...recognizes that no matter how good you are, there's always room to improve.
...recognizes that failure is a part of the process, but it's not an acceptable outcome.

A solid example of good competitive culture is team 1746. They started off strong, but continued to improve through the season and even carried that progress into the off-season. Many teams, including top-tier teams, would've rested on their laurels, but Otto sought to keep competing, and that's why their stock is incredibly high right now.

But that's just one example; there are many other teams in PCH that definitely seem to have a flash of good competitive culture here and there.

However, at the intersection of all the hard resources, competitive culture, and just pure, raw execution, we're going to get our first national competitor.

- Sunny G.

[NoahMinter]

However, as you've said, there are teams that have plenty of all 5 and yet, we're still having this discussion. So obviously there are components that are subtle in nature but very important to the secret sauce of what makes a team truly great.

Agreed, I don't know if I would go as far as to say PCH (as a whole) doesn't have a competitive instinct, but I do know there could be more of it.

Faculty at many schools aren't usually very excited. Rookie teams seem to loose teachers before funds and outside mentors.

Or terrified. FRC is a HUGE commitment, and until they have seen the product, they may not be sold. Chances are though, if you can get the students behind it, faculty advisors will feel an obligation to stay.