2008 Minnesota Regional - Week 5

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Now that I am back home and had a good night's sleep I have to add something. This regional was successful due to a variety of people who stepped up to the plate and helped even without being asked. Field personnel, cue staff, Pit Admin, safety people and of course the event planners. However, there are a few people who help out in the pits to keep things flowing and to make sure robots teams have a robot to field. In established competitions these are usually experienced teams who help out small teams and rookie teams. At this event, thirty rookies were present with another 15 teams in only their second season. This is a daunting challenge to prepare so many teams for inspections and competition. I requested help from Caterpillar's Champlain plant and four engineers stepped up. These four gentlemen jumped in with both feet and helped where they were needed. They stayed until pits closed to insure everyone that needed help, received it. However, even they could not keep up with the demand and that is where some of the other veteran teams stepped up. In particular, the NEW Apple Corps, Team 93, took it upon themselves to help anyone who needed it. Repeatedly, teams told me stories of the guys in the red shirts helping, giving parts and hardware, tweaking software and assisting with strategy. Not only adults but students as well, were everywhere on the pit floor all weekend. It is only through the help of the Caterpillar engineers, Team 93 and other veteran teams that all robots were inspected on Thursday and ready to compete. Congratulations to Team 93 as they were recognized for their effort with the "Gracious Professionalism" Award. Thanks guys!