What's in a Name?

[Andy Baker]

This is a tough situation. 1501 has built a good reputation within the FIRST community, but the team name puts some of the kids through some grief at home (how much grief is this... that is a significant point) There are various factors in a team name. Teams will continue to be successful in FIRST regardless of the fact they change their names.

Sure, your image and reputation within the FIRST community is important, but how does that compare to your image and reputation within your community and school?

The decision is between building upon the Team THRUST name within the FIRST community (keeping the name) and starting a new identity that may be more inclusive of the Huntington schools or area.

If I were voting, I would say that your immediate community is more important to the FIRST community. We (the FIRST community) can adjust to you making changes that may be better for your community image.

Do what you need to do... let us know if you change your name, and we will still admire you.

Andy B.

ps... this is from a guy who helped people start G-Force back in the fall of 2000, and knows how small-town Indiana works.