What was 2000 National winners?

[Wayne C.]

Thanks for the kind words about our 2000 machine. As my guys said above, it is still a crowd pleaser and has literally exposed 1000's of people to FIRST robotics. With this year's machine we will have 3 to bring to events and show off. We are currently raising funds for a trailer to take our machines on the road when we do appearances at schools, fairs and such.

We also need to recognize our alliance partners from 2000- Foothills HS and Vintage HS, both of California. We were picked by Foothills in the second round of picks- third from the last. We almost didn't get to play!!! We will always be grateful for Kenny Bargas and his crew for giving us that chance and to the Vintage guys for "going Battlebot" to allow us the time to do our thing in the center of the field.

As a team we have been very fortunate to have a great relationship with 6 terrific tradesmen from Bristol Myers Squibb. Our BMS guys work with the students throughout the year, teaching, refining and LISTENING to everyone's ideas. Our motto has more or less been that nothing is impossible- nothing beyond our reach. And as a team we have become very close friends.

While the students may not have done all the welding and such, everyone on the team has invested in some part of the machine or it's operation. That's what our definition of team is all about. Everybody brings somethig to the group and contributes their best.

Our 2000 year was truly a miracle and turning point for Raider Robotix. We haven't looked back since. This year, being an odd number, we almost didn't make the cut for Orlando but we got in at the last minute on the waiting list- another miracle. And we are looking forward to a coming year of great ideas realized.

Anyway- I talk too much. Feel free to drop by the pits (everybody) in Orlando and sit a spell. We just packed 1000 giveaway items which I'm still not sure will be allowed in our airline baggage!!! We plan to have a great time.

WC