Twin Saults Instigators (Team 1596) Splits....

[the_short1]

Hello FIRSTer's,
Just thought i would let everyone know, starting next season, Twin Sault International Instigators, Team 1596, from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario & Michigan are no longer together...

Our team started with help from Dan Goodrich from LSSU sitting down a few mentors from Korah Collegiate (ontario), and a few from Sault High (michigan), and discusing starting a robotics team in this area. The canadian side had done CanadianFirst robotics a few years back, but had to stop due to lack of funding, and the american side was a little relunctant on starting up alone. So along with mentoring help from Leith Nader (past FRC team member, and Tom Nader's son, who is head of team 67) the instigators were born.

After some sideways glances, and a slow start, you coulnt tell the difference between the american and canadian members, we were one and the same working hand in hand. Our rookie year was a blast, winning several awards, comming close to winning 2 regionals, then going on to nationals due to rookie all-star. As well as having the prestige of being the first international team in FRC history. But alas, times change, we grew, this year (our second year) we had just over 50 members, and our team mentors have decided this week that next year we are going to split (USA one team, CANADA another). "We were but two peas in a pod, but the peas grew and the shell broke" why try to build a bigger pod, when we can let the plants grow and build new pods of their own.

We hope that we will be able to spread our wings, and gather more students from other areas to join us, and then split off again, and multiply like cells, as well as create FLL teams along the way to spread the message of FIRST as best as we can.

We will still collaborate, might do some work together, we'll always be friends, and we might travel together. But we will be two different teams next season. Watch for more details such as new team number(s) to come from me next year! *i am comming back next year to join the new canadian team, as i will be in gr13(OAC)* and mentor the year after.

EDIT: we will not be rookies again as that woulnt be in the gracious professionalism of FIRST to do so, we will adopt old abandoned team number(s).

What do you think?

-kevin
Team 1596 (for now)

[Beth Sweet]

Well, it's sad to see that the team is splitting up but I'm happy that everyone from the original team is still staying involved. It's a very good problem that you have Kevin, great job on increasing your program so quickly!

[Scott Morgan]

Originally Posted by the_short1

As well as having the prestige of being the first international team in FRC history.

-kevin
Team 1596 (for now)

speaking of international we've been working to try to get a team started in the UK for a while, some of the kids from their schools flew over here and we hooked them up with some vex stuff, they weren't able to compete in FRC this year, because of limited funds and resources, but we are hoping to work with them next year

[Tetraman]

Talk with 494 and 70 about this. They might have some ideas to keep your teams together yet different.

[the_short1]

Originally Posted by Tetraman

Talk with 494 and 70 about this. They might have some ideas to keep your teams together yet different.

thanks for the info, will check that out.

[Cynette]

And knowing what a great team you were in your rookie year, the new team is going to be the rookies to watch out for next year! Good Luck!

[amanda547]

I think IM going to CRY!!!!!! Oh my gosh Kevin, Im sorry to hear it. Ill always remember how the awesome Canadian made a flippin snow angel outside wearing nothing but swimming trunks. I hope to see you next year along with the other guys!!!! Much love!