Team of the Decade

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by JackN

My vote is 71, three World Championships is pretty good from what I hear. I very much disagree with people who have said they aren't quite what they used to be. In my opinion they maintained their high status even after winning three out of four championships. Since I am lazy and don't want to look at regional performances, I will just use their championship performances.

2005-#3 pick (eliminated first round)
2006-#4 pick (barely beaten by 176/111/122)
2007-#2 pick (championship finalists, nearly won it)
2008-#1 pick (eliminated second round after robot malfunctions)
2009-#4 Captain (Eliminated first round)

It isn't like since they won the championship they have stopped showing up. They have lost some close matches and some heart breakers. They still show up with one of the best robots year in and year out. More importantly is that they haven't missed elims at championships over this decade. Something only a handful of teams can say.

I don't think anyone's saying they're "bad" or even "not awesome". But they haven't been at their 2001, 2002, "why even bother competing since Beatty's here" level in many peoples' opinions (They have "just" been amazing instead of completely no contest dominating). They haven't won the MWR since 2005, for example.

That all being said, I doubt there will ever be a year I would enjoy playing against 71, or not want to be their alliance partner. I don't mean to take anything away from them... They're still one of the top teams in FIRST.