UFH: Matthew Leese

[Ken Leung]

Mr. Leese ;-) is one of the first FIRST-a-holic I've met since the beginning of my time. I remember he used to be one of top 5 posters in the CD forum along with me and Jess Boucher. Boy, time sure has gone by quickly. Everything was totally different back then.

I remember Matt was one of the first to take pride in the idea of doing FIRST during college. He and Jess Boucher and Joe Ross and Kate Leech are the few FIRST friends I started hang out with outside my old team. Gave me a sort of home away from home feeling beside IRI. I remember walking past team 73's pit area at Epcot, and saw him handling the paper work for the team. When I saw that, I thought "Wow you don't have to finish school to be a responsible mentor." I knew that's something I couldn't do at the time, and admired it greatly.

Heh, Matt, every year we say we are going to stop doing FIRST, and look where we are now. You just got to be another Unsung FIRST Hero! Hopefully that won't boost your ego too much :-P. Seems like you have a long road ahead of you. The Rochester regional is going to be a handful. Try not to burn out from doing too much.

I am sure we will see each other again. Thought it might be a few years before I visit out-of-state competitions again.

*edit* Found some picture of Matt from kickoff 2002. Figure I would post them just for fun ;-).

[OZ_341]

Congratulations Matt!!

You may not remember me but I met you a few times working at the NASA/MD State Fair Comp. I was coaching my team, but my little ones were working field reset. Both you and your father were so nice to my son and daughter while they worked the arena. Something I will always remember.

Thanks for being so dedicated to FIRST.

Al Ostrow
Team Leader, 341

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by Ken Leung

*edit* Found some picture of Matt from kickoff 2002. Figure I would post them just for fun ;-).

<tangent>
Whoa.. I see pics of Robbie-O.. another cool FIRSTer.
</tangent>

But anyways, Matt.. Congrats man!!
You don't know me.. but I know you!!
Muwhahahahaha...


In all seriousness, Congratulations on your UFH award.. and here's to many more successful years in FIRST.

[BandChick]

Congrats Matt!

(sorry, I needed to jump back on the CD bandwagon)

I'm really glad I got to meet you at nationals this year (even if I was sarcastic and annoying). Congratulations again, you deserve it! I'm looking forward to seeing what you're doing this year.

[Christina]

Originally Posted by Ken Leung

*edit* Found some picture of Matt from kickoff 2002. Figure I would post them just for fun ;-).

I have to admit, I'm glad that I avoided most of those pictures. Although, most people probably don't even remember I was there...

Anyway, congrats Matthew! You were one of the first FIRST friends I made and now we go to school together and you can't get rid of me! Hehehe. Well, soon enough, graduation is coming around soon. Yea, I know this congrats is a little late on CD...but I think I said congrats to you in person...but hey, might as well make it public! I'm so proud of ya!

[Matt Leese]

Originally Posted by Christina

Yea, I know this congrats is a little late on CD...but I think I said congrats to you in person...but hey, might as well make it public! I'm so proud of ya!

Actually you didn't. I saw you for about thirty seconds at the meeting tonight and I hadn't seen you in a few weeks otherwise.

Matt