IRI Mentor Round?

[Josh Hambright]

I thought that the mentor matches were great on a few different levels.
First off i thought that it added a much needed boost as stated earlier in the energy level. Everyone involved got a second wind it seemed when these rounds started, everyone was buzzing with anticipation and everyone wanted to see how these 'professionals' could do it as compared to a bunch of kids...

On top of that i think it gave some much needed insight into the job of driver/operator to alot of engineers. Most people dont realize exactly what a driver/operator goes through, the screaming coach, the pressure, trying to do 10 things at once and being told another 10 on top of that, dealing with obscured perspective, etc. I think that this really gave them a chance to feel what its like to drive a robot in competition. Maybe it'll help some coaches understand what its like and make them a better coach.

I think it also reminded us all of what IRI is meant to be, FUN! We all came together and gave up our weekend cuz we knew it was going to be fun, and that what these rounds were, fun!

I think the mentor rounds were great and hope to see them (and hopefully announce them) next year!