FIRST Robotics as a sport

[OZ_341]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I can't agree with this. .........

I understand what you are saying and in fact our team has accepted students from other local communities, neighboring schools, and other countries for the past 6 years. We don't want any kid to be without a FIRST Team to join.

My point is that when Team 341 gets to the end of build season we are struck by the reality of our place in the school hierarchy. When we go to test our robot, every viable space is occupied (day and night). The gyms and auditoriums are reserved with other traditional activities. We lost our storage facility last year, for a larger exercise room. Thousands of dollars have been spent over the last few years upgrading sports facilities on site.

How many basketball courts, baseball fields, football fields, exercise/weight rooms and tracks does an average school have? I am a big sports fan, but there is no balance.

I have already mentioned all of the nice things our district does for us. But that does not mean I have to be satisfied. Until my kids don't have to beg for storage space or a place to practice, I simply will not be completely satisfied. I will continue to push the envelope.

I can only speak for my team, but I do believe what I said. Our school is proud of our team and often brags about our accomplishments in the community, but we will not have changed our school's culture completely until we have all of the things I mentioned and a few more.