Teams I'm Inspired By

[Pjohn1959]

Aside from all the obvious teams, those that have been established and have a case full of awards, I am inspired by all the rookie teams I see. I know that for the 1st year, with all that goes on in a FIRST contest, the confusion, the stuggles, and the hard work they put in just to complete their first robot is challenge enough, let alone they have a new control system to try and figure out. Some come to contests with their robot still in parts, but they are bound and determined to get it completed and compete on Friday. These teams are the future of FIRST and I wish them all the best of luck.

[amariealbrecht]

For me personally, I am inspired by all of the girls participating in FIRST. Coming off the team, the Robettes (all girls), it is nice to see other girls at competition to get into the pits, work on the robot, or talk to the judges. You girls are so inspirational and you make it fun to go to competition. Boys you are important too . Thanks girls!
Keep up the good work!

[JackN]

I am continually inspired by a lot of teams and mentors but a few that stick out are 33, 1114, and 469.

The Killer Bees (33) are a truly class act. This season they invited us to collaborate on drivetrain design with them and two other teams. They helped us all season with programming, machining, and instituting a crab drive, something that no member of our team had ever done. They won their first Chairman's Award this season at the Kettering district event. I can't say enough how great and classy of a team they are.

Simbotics (1114) constantly inspires me to work harder and compete at a higher level. Their successes over the past 4 years are so deserved. I have never seen a team that works harder and is yet so open with all of their secrets.

Lastly, the Las Guerillas (469) inspire me each year with their designs. Every year i am blown away by what they do. Every single one of their robots is so unique and creative. Sometimes I wonder where they come up with some of their designs, but they are all awesome.

[Nica F.]

When I saw this thread, the first team that came to mind was Team 188 Blizzard, the force from the north. As a high school student on an FRC team, FRC team 188 impressed me the most all around. Their students were the friendliest and most helpful out of any team I've ever met. Their mentors are incredible and anytime I need any advice or have any questions I would never hesitate to ask them. In addition to building notable robots each year, they have done so much for Canada FIRST, their community, alumni, and the FIRST community in general. Doing the international exchange with them as a part of Team 22 was one of the best experiences I ever had in FIRST.

A pair of teams that inspire me are teams 254 and 968. Every year when you decide that you've seen the best, these teams push the envelope every year. Cory, Travis, EJ, and Kirk are mentors I am glad I've had the opportunity to meet because what they help their students and teams become is phenomenal. 254 of course also has a great background greatly worthy of their Hall of Fame title and was just fantastic to learn about when I was by their booth in my freshman year.

Besides those, I am incredibly inspired by 1902. Their team is fantastic, everyone from their mentors, parents, and students. My weekend at Florida Regional was exponentially better meeting that great team.

Originally Posted by Doug G

Also Team 22 (Chatsworth - now Team 4?)

For reference, the teams are different but many Team 4 alumni were previously a part of 22.

[sgreco]

If I made a list of all the teams that inspire it would go on and on and on...
However different teams impress me for different reasons.

111 - They have awsome swerve designs that have inspired much of 2079's swerves (although they look quite different). And how there robots always look really nice.

118 - Again the swerve drive is just a master piece. They always seem to be pushing forward for the next innovative deign in FIRST.

1625 - Again the drive train is very inspiring.

254/968 - I'm amazed by the whole collaboration thing, and they build really competitive robots.

1114 - Not only is the ability to turn out a quality product every year impressive, but they always seem to pick the right stratgy to play the game.

233 - There machining work never ceases to amaze.

111, 365, 67, 842, 254, 103 Simply because of their size and the impact they have had on FIRST. (not to mention they all build pretty dominate robots)

71, 217, 148, 188, 987, 126, 190, 191, 121, 125, 2056, 25, 47, 48, 45, 39, 33, 40, 20, 291, 330, 1717, 1771, 11, 79, 100, 1024, 175, 176, 177, 171, 16, 469,
and it goes on too...

[thefro526]

Here's some that I can think of at the moment.

11 - Mort has invited me to their school before and let me see how they ran their operation. They're a World Class team if not better and they are truly one awesome bunch of people.

25 - Love them or Hate them, 25 build some fantastic robots. Their 2006 bot instilled what dominance was into my head as a Freshman

103 - If you can win Jersey 4 years in a row you're doing something right.

217 - I've never met anyone on the ThunderChickens personally but I know they're an awesome team. They have an almost Rockstar style that I love in addition to the coolest name in FIRST (IMO).

229 - I remember seeing their 2007 robot at the Championship and they were the inspiration for 816's drive trains since then. I remember it as the first robot I'd ever seen that used bolts as Axles and I've used it ever since.

316 - Is one of My favorite teams in FIRST. They're an awesome group of people that build great machines. They also Co-Host Duel on the Delaware and I'd have to say that that's the Event that started it all for me.

1114 - Anyone remember 2008? How about 2007? 2006? Simbotics Dominates the field every year. Watching their performances makes me want to be that much better of A Driver, A team mate and a person.

There's many more but I'm out of time.

[Akash Rastogi]

190 and 125

Both of these teams in my mind are what FIRST envisioned when it was formed. 190 obviously being run on the WPI campus by world class students and engineers and 125 being run by college mentors of Northeastern University. Sometimes going as underrated teams, they are in my mind what all teams should strive to be. Both are heavily involved in their communities, opening their doors for anyone who wishes to enter either to join them or for mentorship. Intrinsic in the northeast for the Boston regional, it is safe to say that the Boston Regional would not be what it is today if it weren't for these two veteran teams. For that, I thank you 190 and 125.

Thanks for the kind words to 11 guys.

[Josh Goodman]

I am inspired by many, many teams. Some because of robot performance, some because of team performance, others because of quality. However, most have already been named above, so I'm going to just say my top 2.

365: As a team captain this year I have really tried to encourage 1511 to almost emulate this team's ideals. If you look at all they do, they are a clear chairman's team and a great group of people.

340: Not as well known as the team above but GRR has been a friend for many many years. At FLR, Karthik referred to 340 and 1511 as "the leaders of Rochester". We see them almost everywhere we go and they do so much to help this Rochester community, it is awesome to work with them and bring out the best in Rochester FIRST!

[kitfisto92]

MOE 365: they just are always there, smiling, whether they win, lose, tie, because they are always trying. they never cease to amaze me

Miss Daisy 341: they are so cool with their head things with the flower (you know what i'm talking about if you've seen them) and just overall remain excited and passionate about FIRST no matter what.

Falcon Robotics 842: they have some of the most innovative ways of doing things with robotics, like their totally-awesome underwater challenge. Not to mention their mentors are always willing to help with chairman's support at nationals.

Raider Robotix 25: They are our sister team and overall impress me all the time no matter what they're doing; whether its fixing their robot in the pits or just hanging out with our team, they see the message of FIRST and promote it all the time.

Nemesis 2590: They are like our seedling team and just overall cool. They dominate at NJ and inspired me to think about organizing a group to write a business plan on our team after their success in NJ.

Wildstang 111: I don't know if it's their amazing tie-dye shirt design or ability to build simple, and efficient, robots but they are an impressive team to me. I admire them greatly

Cybersonics 103: They always build awesome robots and do well at every competition no matter what. They just are always happy and excited about their team and are a very spirited and excited team in FIRST.

Cougar Robotics 1403: They are just SO cool no matter what; they host a kick-off event each year and have Monty Madness. They are also the most enthusiastic people to hang out with and i admire them greatly.

I know that there are a TON more, but these are the ones i vividly remember jumping up and down about

[Chris Hibner]

This is a great thread. Here are the teams that I've been inspired by:

71: I've said this before, but they are one of the best. Just look at the students that have come from this team that are now leaders in FIRST in their own right. Amanda Morrison, Kevin Kolodziej, and Chris Noble, just to name a few. Then there's their 4 championships and an endless list of amazing robots.

111: similar to 71. Great mentors, great robots, and they produce students that go on to the engineering field.

217: see above.

245: see above. One of the coolest things that FIRST in Michigan did this year is to highlight what past students of teams are currently doing. 217 and 245 had so many students that are currently doing great things.

148: this team changed my perspective on robot design - back in 1997 that is. Their robot that year made me really realize what it means to think outside the box and they forever influenced many of the robots that I have had a hand in creating.

1114: See my description of 71, but I'm starting to think that 1114 is like 71 on steroids. These guys have produced more great students, great mentors, and great spin-off teams than any other team that I can think of. These guys really "get it" in a way that no one else does. All you have to do is look at the teams in their wake, and you see more inspiration than 20 teams combined. They spin off new and great teams like Krispy Kreme makes glazed donuts. And all of you guys that think that somehow 1114's greatness is somehow "unfair", just think about all of the time you have spent trying to out-do them and reflect on how much that desire to beat them has made you reach much deeper than you ever have before - that is where real inspiration comes from.

65: Please read all of this part - most of you will just look at my information and assume I'm giving a stupid plug for my team, which is really not true. If you've been around FIRST for a while, you may know that I never used to be with team 65. I was a mentor on team 308 for my first 8 years in FIRST, but to me team 65 symbolized all of that was good in FIRST. I used to come talk to their students and Ken Patton all the time since I loved what they were doing in all respects. I REALLY looked up to this team. After my time with 308 ended, Ken very graciously asked me to help out team 65 if I was available. Ever since then I have been a very loyal member of the Huskie Brigade, and I have been very proud to do so. With the impending consolidation of the Pontiac Schools, a lot has been up in the air, but Ken has remained firm in the reason he does FIRST and how he wants to proceed in the future. He is an amazing leader and the greatness of this team is a direct result of that.

There are many others, but these are SOME of my favorites. If I have more time in the future to write another long-winded post, I will update this with many more.

[Akash Rastogi]

This year more than ever, I was inspired by the teams who have taken their sponsors, and have turned them into lifetime partners. GM teams like 67, 1114, Motorola teams like WildStang, BAE Systems teams, NASA teams like Pink, the Robonauts, and the Cheesy Poofs, Johnson and Johnson teams like 75 and 88, 25 as the shining example of a BMS team, 148 and IFI, and specifically, Beatty International and 71. 217 from Ford. Delphi...etc..

These are teams who have unearthed something that I think FIRST never imagined would happen at such a large scale. Sure these companies are strong supporters of FIRST, but until you look at every single individual team, you don't realize how dynamic of a program FIRST and FRC can be. I see teams like 217, 67, and 111 and think, "Man I can't wait until we're that strong with our sponsors." Its just another special factor in the equation which makes these teams "elite." Something so unique to marvel at that you just can't help but want to be more like them. Its not just about any money the teams receive, machining help they get, its about the mentors they provide and the opportunities they bring to each and every student on the team. Now, I know there are other companies and teams out there who share this type of bond with their sponsors and mentors, but I am just citing out a few major programs.

Its something that's awe inspiring and so powerful in this program that truly embodies what FIRST set out to do: Captains of industry meet the future of industry. People like Paul Copioli, Bill Beatty, JVN; all engineers who work for a greater cause because of this program, and have probably found their second career: teaching.

MORT too has created somewhat of the same relationship in the past. BASF, Givaudan, BAE Systems, and Siemens have all provided us with whatever resource we've needed, monetary support, mentors, and most importantly, job opportunities. Yet, we're still building our foundation with these companies in hopes of reaching the level that 254 and 67 have reached. Its a level far beyond what any of us can expect, and its a level that's almost dauntingly difficult to achieve. These teams bring me hope, inspiration, and a sense of determination, and I thank you all for that. A message that I've learned from these teams in the past 3 years: Keep growing stronger with your sponsors, and soon they will become partners for life.

Sorry for the long post, but its something I've respected and admired about these teams and programs and its about time that credit is given where it is due.

[Phil Ross]

Over the past three years I have gotten the chance to meet many amazing people from all over the country. I can honestly say that some of those people that I met have changed me for the better. Although each and every team in FIRST is a team to admire there are some that stand out above the rest.

Team 103: For teaching our lead mentor everything he knows. For always being there for our team and for all you do for the FIRST community.

Team 234: Meeting you for the first time in DC this year was a fabulous experience. You guys met the reputation that I have heard so much about all the way in Philly.

Team 316: Competition has always been a blast with you guys there with us. It wasn't the same without you at DC this year. It been a pleasure to know each and every one of you.

Team 357: Has been one of the nicest, most welcoming teams I have had the pleasure of knowing. Mentors and students alike are all dedicated to the program and the benefits it has to offer.

Team 365: Organizing a team from ten high schools is impressive enough, but its not quite enough for you guys. Your impact reaches all the way out to other countries. Sending supplies over seas to teams who don't have Wall-Marts...fantastic. It's been tons of fun hanging out with you guys over the years and I always look forward to the MOE Band playing at competitions.

Team 433: Everything you guys do is an inspiration to me. It was so cool to be there with you guys won chairman's. After that you went and won an EI at a regional where you didn't submit chairmans. You guys are truly an inspiration to everyone involved in the program.

Team 1507: Meeting you guys in Philly for the first time this year was a lot of fun. You guys preformed incredibly. Then being there when you won Newton was an awesome experience. Good luck next year, can't wait to see you again.

There are many more teams that could be easily added to this list and it has really been an honor to be part of this excellent opportunity and I look forward to the seeing all of you in the future.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Wow, Im surprised no one has mentioned these teams, or these guys. Or maybe them Or any of the Israeli teams

Or basically anyone who competes from outside the continental United States. If you guys think flying is a pain now try flying across international borders with the equipment to repair a robot. How about fundraising? These guys have to raise more money than most of us have to in a couple years if they want to compete at multiple regionals. Don't forget, Kickoff is at 10 AM on the East Coast, that is 4 AM for our Hawaiian friends. These teams are all class acts, not because they build good robots (and many of them do) but because they make it to competition year after year.

[delsaner]

I was inspired by 2753. Freshman year, I performed in a FTC competition with some of the team members. Team Overdrive was there, and they obliterated the competition. I remember one match where they scored all of their pieces, so they started scoring the other teams pieces. This year, Team Overdrive came into FRC to compete. When I saw those yellow shirts with those spinning tires, I was flabbergasted. I knew they were going to perform extremely well, and they ended up winning the regional. Not only are they excellent on the field, but they are great people to talk to, and they can be heard throughout the stands.
I <3 Overdrive!!

[Chris is me]

I've been inspired by basically every team I've ever talked to, so I'll have to keep this short and exclude a few hundred teams. But trust me, if I've talked to you then you've inspired me.

The first team I was ever inspired by was Syntax Error. They're an FTC team whose number I don't know, but they basically broke the game at the 2006-7 FVC Hangin-A-Round event I went to. They had this really cool metal hopper that would slide up along the side of a goal and get 20 balls in easily, and they used the wall so that the only way to play defense on them would be to catch them before they got to the wall. They even made a rack and pinion system out of tank tread since Vex's system didn't exist yet. I was pretty inspired, and basically figured out that the name of the game is to think of a design that breaks it.

The next FTC year I got inspired by a few more teams. When I was at the competition, I completely misjudged what the game was about (the autonomous I had planned had us removing the opponent's rings from the field so that they could not use them, when the rings were less important than goal control). I was seriously a minute from just quitting and cheering on my old team when the team from Wisconsin Lutheran High came over and talked to me. The previous year, I helped them build a square robot when their robot design completely failed, and I guess they thought it was their turn to help me. They convinced me to use my lunch break to strip off the manipulator and make a defensive robot, then got 5 of their main builders to help. 2 frantic hours later, the robot got on the field and won every match I had left just by pulling the goals around and playing defense.

We didn't have the serpentine at the event, so I was the third alliance partner of the first alliance. I ended up helping them win a little bit, so the whole alliance got to go on to Atlanta. I lobbied the judges to give Wisconsin Lutheran the Inspire award, as that's basically the definition of gracious professionalism and they literally inspired me to win, but to no avail. They won the next year though.

If it weren't for either of these teams I would not be in FRC today, and I wouldn't be strategist either. Basically these two teams directly (or indirectly) showed that strategy is key.

I'll post FRC teams later, when I don't have class in 30 seconds ^_^