2008 Florida Regional

[esisso]

any of the broward/ miami-dade teams interested in meeting up and sharing ideas or looking at each other's design? I am very interested in starting to build alliances for the regional, especially since there will be a lot of teams there, it'll be good to already know a couple local ones

[Dybala]

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.

[dmellich]

Originally Posted by Dybala

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.

We have the same issue in Broward County. Our seniors our going up Wednesday afternoon - everyone else Thursday after testing.

[Greg Peshek]

Does anyone here know the date of the FCAT Science (11th Grade Obviously) for Orange County this year? I know there was some choice or something by the county, so our team is trying to figure out what we can do as far as practice day and such. Thanks..

-Greg P.

[Drew Hopman]

Greg- I am pretty sure its the same time and day in all of florida. I know its the same time here in Brevard as it is with my homie Mr. E. In Broward.

[Jacob Paikoff]

Ya, as far as I know its is the Thursday, March 13, in all of florida. So everyone will go over wed. night except for our Juniors who will come over thrusday afternoon.

[PC-Dad]

Originally Posted by Dybala

I was wondering how other teams competiting the Florida Regional and their school districts are handling the FCAT testing conflict on March 13? In Polk County, the FCAT Science and the NRT are being administered on Thursday.

Alas, the FCAT/NRT schedule has done us in here in Palm Beach county. The competition is sandwiched between the FCATs (10-14 March) and the NRTs (17-21 March). The School District of Palm Beach County has imposed a rather rigid blackout on extra-curricular activities that extends through the end of the NRTs, so the principal at our team's school has deemed that only seniors will be allowed to attend the competition, which effectively takes us out of the competition altogether.

I hope that this scheduling conflict can be fixed for 2009 and beyond. It's unfortunate when a great group of high school kids work so hard on such a worthwhile project only to see the bureaucracy crush their hopes. I'm guessing the gang-bangers will be up to their usual mayhem here in Palm Beach County, regardless of when the FCATs are scheduled. I think somebody needs to realize it's not all about what grades (and associated funding) the schools and districts get from the state, that by having this ridiculous blackout, they are missing an opportunity to keep some kids from going over to the "Dark Side." What a pity.

[Gary Dillard]

Hmmmmmmmm......... Regional Layout shows a 15 x 30 practice field in the pits. I hope noone was planning on driving very far past their own overpass during autonomous.

[writchie]

Originally Posted by Gary Dillard

Hmmmmmmmm......... Regional Layout shows a 15 x 30 practice field in the pits. I hope noone was planning on driving very far past their own overpass during autonomous.

Well, this was before the entire old arena was eliminated. As I understand it
the area for the pits (and practice field) are no longer available and everything
is now going to be jammed into the arena. I don't know if the 10x9 pit size has
survived or whether there will be any practice area aside from the main field.

It is likely to be very tight for 60+ teams - but the new Arena is great. I do hope
however, that with 60+ teams and only one practice field, the practice sessions
will be expanded into late Thursday evening. At present there appears to be
time for only three practice sessions per team which seems a bit short to me
for this years game.

[Cooley744]

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! IT'S GONNA BE SO COOL!!!!!!

[hipsterjr]

Originally Posted by Cooley744

I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER!!! IT'S GONNA BE SO COOL!!!!!!

I feel your enthusiasm. I can't sit through class knowing Florida is 3 weeks away It is driving me crazy not knowing what pink is up to, lol.

[IbleedPink233]

Originally Posted by hipsterjr

I feel your enthusiasm. I can't sit through class knowing Florida is 3 weeks away It is driving me crazy not knowing what pink is up to, lol.

It's driving me crazy not knowing what Pink is doing, too!

[Romino90]

Originally Posted by viking1902

From what I've heard its going to be "Jersey style" with one field and lots of teams. The venue can most definately hold two fields but there were going to be issues with understaffed and undertrained volunteers that were holding back the use of a second field.

Its going to be a transitional year for the Florida regional so I hope that things will run just as smoothly as in the past and hopefully we will have that second field next year.

What do you mean by Jersey style how did the Florida Regional go prior...at 1403 were so excited to go to Florida this year were hoping for a blast it should be really interesting playing with teams we never play with...I think only team we know is 293 the pink team from Florida since they came to Boston one year we were there..if I recall they won it haha.

[hipsterjr]

FYI There will be a shuttle launch on the Thursday of Florida regional. The only down side is that it is at 1AM!

We are going to try and see it, and we'll just sleep on the bus Wednesday. Now that I think about it, I never sleep while I'm in Florida. My secret as a driver, lots of energy drink, mountain dew, and Cheifdelphi.

[James1902]

Originally Posted by Romino90

What do you mean by Jersey style how did the Florida Regional go prior...at 1403 were so excited to go to Florida this year were hoping for a blast it should be really interesting playing with teams we never play with...I think only team we know is 293 the pink team from Florida since they came to Boston one year we were there..if I recall they won it haha.

You'll have a blast at florida!!! Aside from championships it is the most energetic FIRST event i've been to! Plus you'll get to meet alot of friendly teams!