pic: BAE Systems-Granite State Regional High Score

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Originally Posted by DDAwg3

Personally I found this match the exact opposite of what is suppose to be one of the biggest elements of FIRST -(Gracious professionalism) not with play like that......they had the match wrapped up and still went and put not just one but two robots up for the additional 60 points. I feel they should be ashamed not applauded. As amentor I would not of allowed that by my team.

I hate to be profound, but..

Of everything I have ever read on Chief Delphi, and believe me, I don't miss much, this statement has to be the most ridiculous things I have ever seen. I think its a bogus claim to make that team Buzz, quite possibly one of the most influential and inspirational teams of them all, would purposely do something that went against the "morals" of FIRST. They went out and played a clean, fair match. Sure, the alliances weren't "balanced" or "fair", but may I ask when life is? You must remember that we play with alliances of three teams, and the third team can make or break a competition. Apparently 501 and 175 had great scouts because they were able to pick up such a great 2nd round pick in 1824. Every other alliance had the chance to pick them, but none did, which is their own loss.

Now, any of the alliances in eliminations could have beaten the 501/175/1824 alliance. NO team out there this weekend was polished enough to be called "dominant". So apparently, 501 and Buzz not only have great scouts, but a great strategist. They played the game in a way which made the most sense to them. Each team complimented each other, and they played off of their opponent's weaknesses. This seems totally "fair" to me.

And just for the record: After that match, I gave that alliance a standing ovation. That is the only time I stood up for ANY team all weekend. Now, I'm pumped to start strategizing for my next regional. ALL because of that one match.