Thank you to 217 and 67, Michigan State Champs!

[Mike Copioli]

Originally Posted by Ken Patton

Stop it already. There is no doubt that if the hyperbole were replaced with data you would be singing a different tune.

You guys are faster, stronger, more practiced, more organized, more prepared, less grouchy, funnier (in the case of Paul), cooler (in the case of Adam, ok, and Paul too), have faster brains, have better eyesight, and better hearing. I does not matter that my pants are better looking, I'm in over my head.

I have one major advantage in addition to the camo. After every match, I get to walk over to Mr. Hibner and say "what's next?" Gentlemen, HE is a REAL captain.

Ken

OK, now you are just being an overachiever.

[The Cyborg]

Out of all of my years in FIRST, this competition was probably the best competition I have ever been to. There was incredible competition from all over the state, with some of the toughest teams in FIRST. My eternal thanks goes to teams 67 and 217 for choosing us, and making an incredible alliance. I had so much fun cheering with you guys behind our alliance stations, and watching our alliance play some incredible matches. I wish the best for you all in Atlanta.

[Adam Freeman]

I have been trying to write this post for the last day and a half. Everytime I think I have it ready, someone writes something better.

This entire season so far has been incredible. As an engineering mentor/scout/strategist for 67 the last 4 years, I would walk around the pits observing robots and watch matches from the upper deck looking for advatages and tips that I could give to our drive team and coach.

I would be envious of some of our other mentors that knew people on other teams and would interact with them, while I stood there listening and observing.

Now that I have been given this great opportunity to coach for the Heroes of Tomorrow, I am getting an entirely new experience at each and every competition we attend. The opportunity to meet and work with such "greats" in the FIRST community, like Ken Patton and Paul Copioli, has been a great honor to me.

The way that these guys inspire and lead not only their students, but all the students and mentors from other teams is amazing.

Thunder Chickens - 217: Your robot is amazing! The driver skill and patience displayed each and every match to wait for the perfect time to unload 20+ balls into an opponents trailer is awesome. You guys are the #1 example for how to operate a turreted shooter this season. I know our students have loved the opportunity to cheer and root with you thoughout this season. Thanks for the pit decorations.

Huskie Brigade - 65: Your robot has been on my radar since I watched the Kettering webcast in week #1. As soon as I saw it in the pits Thursday morning, I could see the potential it had to be the perfect third robot. The only question was, how far down in the seeding order would we need to be for your team to be available for our alliance. Never did I think that you would be available to the #1 alliance with the 24th pick. That combination of scoring potential and defense should have been selected way earlier.

Paul Copioli: For the third time this season I have been luck enough to coach behind the glass with you. Your ability to step up and be THE LEADER among all the other amazing people we had helping us, is awe inspiring. If we are fortunate enough to get into the same division, I will be hoping we can do it again. If not, I know 217 will be on Einstien...hopefully we will execute well enough to compete against you.

Ken Patton: You are definitely too humble. Your comment to me that we were making you feel too old to compete with us younger coaches is completely invalid. Your attention to detail and execution was exactly what we needed.

Karthik, John, and Tyler: We apprieciate all the compliments about our robot and the additional strategy assistance that you all provided. I can't wait to get to Atlanta to see all of your great robot designs.

[Kevin_Morris]

Originally Posted by Ken Patton

(a Texan and a Canadian)

That's right he's a Texan, and we're keepin' him!

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

JVN - I never thought you would be able to come to our little event in Michigan and when you agreed, I was excited. Never did I think you would integrate yourself into our team the way you did. I thank you for the impression you left our students and your willingness to be a "ThunderChicken" for the weekend. Looking back and seeing you behind us after every match was like lifting a huge weight off of my shoulders. Thank-you for being part of this very special event. You are one of my closest friends and I am glad we got to share this experience.Paul Copioli

I'm truly honored to have the opportunity during the competition season to be able to work so closely with such a respected leader within the FIRST community. The FIRST cliche of a gracious professional really doesn't apply to John, as he goes much farther beyond that, whether that's dealing with the kids on 148 or with other teams. Paul really hit the nail right on the head.

It looks like y'all really had quite a who's who of FIRST coaching and strategy entering into the eliminations at MSC. Along with the incredible machines and amazing teams behind them, it made for quite an epic alliance. Congratulations 217, 67, and 65 on the win. See you in Atlanta!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

You know this story sounds so much like 2003, I think it Deja Vue.

[Jaime65]

I’ve been a part of FIRST for several years and I have not seen a competition (regional or world) that has been as competitive as the MSC. I want to thank team 271 and 67 for allowing us, 65, to complete your alliance. After selections I was talking with Mr. P. Copioli; he said that he was looking for someone flexible and that can take direction. There are many teams that can easily fulfill this role that wasn’t chosen to move on in the games. Thanks for having faith, trusting our team, looking past our early morning Saturday difficulties, and focusing on what we are capable of doing.

This may be the last year for “Team 65, The Huskie Brigade” and with the help of 271, 67, Mr. Ken J. Patton, Chris Hibner, Paul & Mike Copioli, Tom Nader and all of the other engineers, coaches, and strategists (this is why I don’t like to name people) we were be able to wrap up our career on a positive note as State Champions with the chance of becoming World Champions. I want to send a special thanks to Mr. Ken J. Patton and Chris Hibner. Without you guys I don’t know if team 65 would have been in existence this long, or even be the team that it is today. I can’t speak for the entire team, but personally you two guys have impacted my life and it has been an honor to have you guys as a mentor/coach (even after high school).

- Jaime N. Jones or as Ken would say... James