Canadian SUPER Regional

[Karthik]

Wow. That was an exhausting weekend. Don't get me wrong, it was well worth it.

The event came off without a hitch. The Canadian Regional is always the best run event by FIRST, and this year was no exception. The volunteers, judges and staff were all extremely pleasant and helpful. Considering the immense task of running an event with two fields, 75 teams and 16 alliances in the elimination round, the fact that everything ran without a hitch is no small feat.

There are so many people I want to thank, and I really don't know where to start.

Team 1241 - You guys are the best rookie team that I've ever seen. I stress the word team here. Everything you guys do is awesome. You had an amazing robot, a beautiful animation, brought 500 loud and energetic teams to the arena including a dance pack! Most importantly every single member of your team exuded gracious professionalism. This team should be a model for all rookies in the future.

Team 1006 - It was great running with you guys. As for your Chairman's award, it was well deserved. Our two teams have worked closely together in the past and I can say that this team deserves this honour with much certainty.

Teams 639, 33 & 1112 - A well earned championship. All three of you had robust and high quality robots. Team 33, I think it must be illegal to pickup balls that easily. Wow.

Steve Warren - This is a man who loves FIRST. He gives up all of his spare time to help his own team, and when he's not doing that he's running across North America to be an announcer at different regionals. Despite how much we make fun of each other, I actually think he's a pretty alright guy. Congratulations on being named volunteer of the year.

Roly Anderson - Mr. A., I am so glad you took home the Woodie Flower's award. This is a man who has given up so much for FIRST, it's great to see him get recognized. I mean, he used to let Team 188 build their robot in his basement. As I mentor my team, I can only hope that I can impact the lives of my students as much as you did to mine seven years ago. You are the best. Congratulations.

Team 48 - Guys, you rock. From day 1 of this regional we were hoping we could run with you. Your robot is so powerful, yet it moves around the field so smoothly. We just loved working with your team. It's too bad we got derailed by some technical failures at the end. Still, working with your team was just a pleasure. You guys are a great team and we're proud to call you guys friends.

I guess it's time for me to regroup and get ready for nationals.

See you all in Atlanta.