Homeschool Robotics Team Wins World Championship

[Coach Tom]

It was fun to see this posting about Team Overdrive's history. The article captured our 2008 experience very well. Although it was a lot of work, we are all glad that we made the transition to FRC. The people in FRC are great.

2010 will bring a completely new experience.

Thank you 330 for being an inspiration! I spoke to several of your mentors last summer before we made our decison to go FRC.

Tyler - Sorry I couldn't resist posting.

Congratulations to Tyler (a Senior) on his amazing four years with FIRST. Also, congrats to Marissa, Jonathan, Zach, and David (other Seniors on Team Overdrive).

Blessings. Tyler's Coach and Dad

[Chris is me]

So do you guys just have winning competitions and building amazing robots in your blood or something? It's amazing that your team can go from the FTC Uberteam to the FRC world semifinalists in just a year... Seems like you guys are good at this FIRST thing!

[DonRotolo]

I am just speculating here, but as home-schooled students I would believe that they are maximizing their 'return on investment' in the science and technology and math benefits of the FIRST program.

Or, put another way: FIRST is a great excuse to do some sorta advanced school work. And have fun, too.

Don

(PS: By 'Investment' I mean educational, not financial)

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

So do you guys just have winning competitions and building amazing robots in your blood or something? It's amazing that your team can go from the FTC Uberteam to the FRC world semifinalists in just a year... Seems like you guys are good at this FIRST thing!

Their team structure and design strategies are actually outstanding. The dedication of the members and mentors is very clear when you talk to them. Its very impressive to compare a well honed FTC structure and direct it into a highly effective FRC program. This was something I was more impressed by than the robot performance.