Congratulations 1114, 217 and 148

[Paul Copioli]

All I can say is ... WOW! We never could have expected this outcome. The Galileo division was stacked and there were sooo many great teams that I just can't count.

Even with all the great teams in Galileo, 1114 was an absolute cut above the rest. I still think they could have flipped a coin (or threw a dart at the dart board) for their eliminations partners and still won this thing. that is how good they are.

To team 1114:
I know I speak for all of team 217, when I say "thank-you" for believing we were the best pick for you. It was an honor and a priviledge to work along side dedicated and inspiring Simbots all Saturday afternoon. I am glad we could contribute to, what I believe to be, your destiny in 2008. I am also very, very glad we didn't screw it up for you.

To team 148:
Our recent history as close teams has been cemented forever after this past weekend. St. Louis was a blast and the Champs just topped off the perfect ending to a great year. Your courage to do what no one else had the guts to do is remarkable and your little robot was a work of art. I am glad that we were able to break the Beatty Curse together (for those of you that don't know, 148 won the champs in 1993). I look forward to maybe going to Dallas next year and you guys coming up to Great Lakes.

To the individuals:

Mark Breadner - Congratulations and welcome to the club. You deserve this award and I am glad you won it. Now I don't have to go to Canada anymore to present (JK)!

Rhona Breadner - Thank-you for helping us get your stubborn husband to the Championships this year. We could not have got him there without you.

Karthik - I am glad that we have gotten to be friends over the last few years. Your dedication to our team and to FIRST is admirable and you are an inspiration to many. I hope this marks the beginning of our teams working together more often.

Derek B - I am very happy we finally got to work together behind the glass. Your calmness under pressure and your excellent decision making under fire is a great motivator to me to become a better coach. Your dedication to your family and your team has inspired me to become a better man.

Geoff, Ian, Mike (the programmer), and all the other "go to" guys on Simbots -
You are all true professionals. You are the core of what makes Simbots tick. I know Karthik gets most of the spotlight, but you are the heart and soul of the team and it does not go unnoticed.

John V - You are one of my best friends, not just in FIRST, but in life. I am glad we started down our little collaboration adventure in 2005. It has made both of our teams stronger and closer as a result. Hey budy, do you remember when we won the Championship together? (sorry, inside joke)

Andy Baker and Ken Patton - You are both my original role models in FIRST. Although we didn't get much time to spend together in Atlanta, you both still have a big influence on me. When I grow up, I want to be just like Ken (Andy does too).

Finally, team 469 - You are the example of gracious professionals. Words can not express how much your unwaivering support of the ThunderChickens this year is appreciated. You let us invade your practice and build facility for almost 8 weeks and use your parts and tools like they were our own. Without us even asking, you brought us all of your support during eliminations and throughout the weekend and asked nothing in return. It makes a world of difference when we have friends like you.

To my team - we will talk tonight!