Exemplary FIRSTers

[Matt Fultz]

I'd have to go with team 71, team Hammond. Their robot is always astounding, but their helpfulness shocked me the most. This year at the Midwest Regional, we (team 234) needed a few parts, and 71 (along with 45, another excellent team) was always there to give them to us. On one occasion when 71 didn't have the part, one of their engineers offered to drive back to Hammond, Indiana and get that part from their shop, then bring it back.
Thanks 71!

[Mike Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Rich Kressly

so many to choose from...
Team 25: awesome robots, awesome people
They've started/helped to start so many NJ area teams, it's hard to count
champion of the RINOS (Rookies in Need of Support) project
Fierce competitors and good friends at the same time
Shared designs
Have promoted FIRST
given presentations
even solicited their own sponsor for money for other/new teams
AND they have Wayne Cokeley: A man with more passion and kindness than anyone I know.
Well deserving of the Engineering Inspiration Award they received in MD.
Keep going 25...

Not to sound mean, i always love the praise, but lets just speak for yourself for a second i mean you wanna talk about great first teams you talk about 103 there isnt a bad thing i can think of saying about The Cybersonics team, they always come to competitions ready to fight, and will also lend a hand, they started the FIRST Interactive Rural Support, and spread the name of FIRST everywhere its always a pleasure talking, comepteting with/against the people from 103, they truly exemplify FIRST spirit as well as show us all what it means to be a Chairmens award winner

[tkwetzel]

One of the best teams I have seen is 388. They have not only won the VCU regional two years in a row. They are very gracious and helpful. One example is that they used our gearbox design and could not get a part because it was back-ordered. We had extras and sent them what they needed without questions. However, at VCU they came out and thanked us by giving us a horizontal bandsaw! It really suprised a lot of people on our team and we can not thank team 388 enough.

[Betty(330)]

Amanda, thank you for your kind words about the Beach Bot team (330)!

Let me take you back to the Arizona Regional this year ....your team 60 provided the entire regional with a machine shop, at which we had several uses!! Your team members never fail to come and give our team encouragement and help.

When the finals were in progress and the Beach Bot was not working,and our technical mentors could not be located immediately....my first thought was to seek out your team leaders Glenn and Toni, because I KNEW they would do anything they could to help our team(any team). When I arrived to the pit, who was there already??? Glenn.

So who are the Exemplary FIRSTers?

My vote is TEAM 60!!

You guys are awesome!! Congrats on your place in Denver!!

Betty Freitag
Team Mom
Beach Bot Team 330

2004 Regional finalists(thanks to 1197 and 22 - LA Regional
2004 Regional winners (thanks to 1212 and 585)- Arizona
2004 Arizona Chairman's Award Winners
2003 LA Regional Chairman's Award Winners
2003 Arizona Regional Finalists& GM Industrial Award Winners
2003 Newton Quarterfinalists

[MOEmaniac]

I've got to go with Big Mike and give my vote to 103 because there an all around great team and I have nothing bad to say about them.

[Stephen Kowski]

My vote has to go to team 343 Metal-in-Motion. Probably the nicest group of people you have ever met and they are also fierce competitors....Frankly they are a model for my team.....The bring students onto the team that are disabled, students that do not come from the most fortunate of backgrounds, and they integrate all these people working together.

Oh, btw they started the Palmetto Regional, helped start many FIRST teams, and have done countless things also with the Lego League team to boot....

As of yet I don't know how they have been passed over for a national chairman's award (that's not to say that every team that has won it wasn't 100% deserving in their own right)...

[RiceRobotica]

Team 88 was an amazing team, not only to work with in an alliance, but to see in the stands cheering on their team and everybody else's. After our alliance lost in the semi-finals, all of 88 lined up, chanting the numbers of the alliance as we wheeled our robots back to the pits, anything but disheartened. They brought a bright and colorful atmosphere to SPBLI. They showed the gracious proffessionalism sought out by FIRST. I know I speak for myself and 870 when I say that we can't wait to see them at Nat's.

[Kevin Kolodziej]

I'm gonna have to give my vote to Team 461 - Westside Boiler Invasion. I can't say anything bad about this team. The people are wonderful - they make me feel like I have a second home (or is that third or fourth now??? ). For the past two years, if we (1064) have ever needed anything, Purdue has been there for us (and if they didn't have it, they FOUND it). Their robots are always strong, their animations are funny, their website is award-winning, and they're a past regional Chairman's winner. 461 also gives FIRSTers a place to go after they've graduated where they can give back what they have learned as a mentor.

And oh yeah..."LETS ALL GO NUTS! ROBOTS! ROBOTS!" - it just wouldn't FIRST without that chant (or my new sweatshirt that says that )

-Kev

[tenfour]

I think that beyond the classic responses, I value many other teams.

The first has got to be 294. Those guys provide a field at their school, programming help, and even have lent our team parts. They are also relaxed and really kick back. Their students are always polite and seem to embrace the ideals of FIRST regardless oftheir ranking, etc.