A Captian and Driver Issue

[JesseK]

In the first two years, the drivers were picked based upon merit and dedication. This year ('08) we added tryouts into the mix because we actually got the bot done ahead of schedule . Whoever could consistently drive the fastest lap times and line up to knock off a ball would be the drive train driver. After VCU we changed drivers because the first one had "reflexes" that disregarded the G22 penalty. The second driver was a Junior, but that had nothing to do with why he got to drive.

For the other driver, the build lead wanted the position. No one else knew the mechanics of the bot better than he did, and he understood its limitations and potential. That was probably the best decision we could have made concerning drivers, because he was able to be patient and not break the bot by being overzealous with the lift or paws mechanisms. He was a senior, and a captain, but he was a captain and he drove because of the other reasons. He was appointed to build captain simply because he had the best combination of motivation, knowledge and leadership in the pre-season.

I've been the coach on the field for the last two years, mainly just to make sure the drivers keep a level head (unlike our rookie year, where the students lost it a couple of times and did some pretty un GP things). I got this position because I wanted it when we the mentors got together to assign leadership roles. If another mentor wanted to do it, I'd step aside. If a student wanted to do it, he/she would have to demonstrate maturity, leadership, and knowledge of the rules. Being on the build team isn't a requirement here so long as both of the drivers know and understand the bot. Strategy can always be taught off the field.

Hope this helps.