UFH: Paul Copioli

[Andy Baker]

Paul is a great asset to FIRST. His passion is contagious and he brings excitement and emotion to the competition. His leadership on the Thunderchickens is a model for all of us to follow.

The most impressive thing to me is how well the Thunderchickens perform in FIRST. I really can't think of a more well-rounded team. Think about it... who is always one of the most spirited teams out there? - Thunderchickens. Who traditionally has one of the most innovative drivetrains in FIRST? - Thunderchickens. Who will give you anything you want if you went to their pit and asked for it? - Thunderchickens. Who puts together a good animation and a consistently good newsletter? - Thunderchickens.

Sure, there are other teams who do some of these things very well, but I see team 217 as a extremely well-rounded team. Of course, this execution is driven from more than just Paul - it is a team effort. However, this effort starts at the top and is led by Paul. More than once I have heard Paul "addressing the troops" while talking to his team at a Regional. He sounds like a football coach at halftime. He pumps them up, corrects them if needed, and freely displays his passion for FIRST. He is downright contagious.

Paul really showed his passion this summer when he accepted the role as field announcer at IRI. He partnered with Wildstang Dan Green and they both put on a great show. Paul as running around the field in his goofy shirts, introducing the teams, taunting the refs ("Belly Check!"), and pumping up the crowd in a positive way. It was a sight to see.

Keep it up, Paul... FIRST is better because of you.

Andy B.