2008 Greater Toronto Regional!

[Karthik]

"Never a dull moment at the GTR..."

That line definitely sums up the entire weekend. This event was filled with excitement and intrigue. The arena was electric all weekend long with 66 amazingly spirited teams.

Special thanks go out to our alliance partners 2056 and 2166. It was a pleasure to work with two teams who we're so close with. We had high hopes for 2166 ever since you visited our shop in Week 2. We'd been hoping to pick you all season long, and glad the opportunity presented itself. As for 2056, I'm still in awe at the parallel paths our two teams have taken. It really is something else.

Congratulations to the finalist alliance of 1507, 1503 and 247. As soon as alliance selection ended, I looked at this alliance and said "These are the teams to beat". For those who didn't attend or watch, Team 1507 was one of the highest scoring robots at the regional, while 1503 had made huge improvements since FLR. I'm not entirely sure how Team 247 was available as the 22nd team in the eliminations, considering they had a 4 line hybrid mode.

A special thanks to Team 703, who made one of the classiest moves that I have ever seen in FIRST. On Saturday morning, they realized their despite the fact their drivetrain was still working, they were on the verge of a possible catastrophic failure. They gave a letter to the other 65 teams, letting them know the situation, and recommending that they not pick them. I have seen too many teams hide technical difficulties, and only reveal them after being picked. Team 703 handled this situation both graciously and professionally, and for this I commend them. Hopefully in the future more teams will learn from this wonderful example.

Congratulations to Team 1547 on their Regional Chairman's Award win. Back in your rookie season, 2005, I predicted that your team would soon become a perennial RCA winner in Canada. Your program has a huge impact on everyone that encounters it. I'm glad that I've been able to witness the journey. I know you will do Canada proud with your presentation in Atlanta.

I'm still trying to gather my emotions after such an amazing weekend. I don't think the magnitude of it all has sunk in yet. It's suffice to say, this really had been a magical regional season.

Thanks to everyone who made this event possible. You all rock.

Finally, I'd like to know what people though of the Discovery Channel coverage of the event. The crew spent a lot of time on this coverage and I thought the host, Shannon Bentley did a fantastic job. Of course, I only saw the coverage through the other side of the lens, so I want to hear the input of the home viewers.