2006 Pittsburgh Regional

[atomikitten]

Sorry, I know this is redundant, but I feel it's very important to reiterate.

Hey now... one catchy soundbyte echoes in my head: "life's not fair, and neither is FIRST." I'm saying this even though it was my team that suffered because of some other people's errors. We're going to put up with a lot of crap from a lot of idiots in the real world; frankly, I'm just greatful to have experienced FIRST, where idiots and crap are at a minimum.

Having cleared that up, I can say confidently that team 888 had an overall pleasant, positive experience at the Pittsburgh Regional, despite the frustrations. To any individuals who made our acquaintances, please understand the team's frustration and try to look at it from our point of view--you were there too. The situation simply outraged us. This does not excuse our team's rants, but perhaps the rest of the FIRST world could borrow a little bit of perspective.

To tell you the truth, on Thursday, we felt that a few other teams were absurdly aggressive towards us, both in and outside of the arena. We were even subjected to repeated "speed screenings" because "other teams reported" that our shooter violated a velocity regulation. After three intermittent screenings, absolutely no breach of regulation was found. We were suspicious and a bit insulted, but we beared it.

I feel it's also important to acknowledge that there were individuals who were notably courteous and pure-intentionedly helpful to us as well. They made gestures that were more typical of FIRSTers.

most importantly:
I'm ready to put all of this behind me so that I am completely unburdened to look forward to the Chesapeake Regional. I can only ask and hope that everyone else feels similarly. After all, each day is fresh with no mistakes in it [yet].

[thatphotochick]

To this day, I don't think I've even seen some professional sports teams have as much of a unifying theme and team spirit as 365. I mean, wow. Even down to the green shoelaces lol.

yeh MOE was awesome with so much spirit. 1038 could NOT keep up with you guys. Everyone on the team was trying to figure out the cotton eyed joe dance..in which nobody on our team has yet to master it . at purdue we were hoping to pass along the we like to party "dance", but they never played the song until right after the finals were over and everyone was going to awards. we had a blast trying to figure out what MOE was doing and joining their party. thanx!

[Libby Ritchie]

I'm sorry I am posting this so late after the regional....but I have learned one thing this year...I do NOT like doing back-to-back competitions!

Congratulations to all that won various awards, to the regional champs, teams 395, 1038, and 743! what a hard-fought finals. You guys were awesome!

Thank you to our aliance partners, teams 1629 and 1370! You guys were great partners! It was fun to play with you all and thank you for all of your help!

Pittsburgh was a well-run regional and thank you to the planning committee. I know that is a LOT of hard work.