Thank You and Congrats to Teams 20, 2079, 195, and 1124!

[jemillet23]

I've never had so much fun at a FIRST event as I did at WPI, and I know for sure it's because of our relationship with the teams there. Our alliance going into quarterfinals was ideal, and our performance was just as good. And Joe, you can't make us dance unless you dance!

Next year we absolutely must start working together earlier, hopefully we won't need to hijack your shop space the Sunday before ship again.

Thank you everyone for all your help at WPI, and I speak for all of 2791 when I say we absolutely can not wait for Connecticut! See you there.

[smurfgirl]

I'm really glad I was able to make it to the first WPI Regional - what an experience! I graduated high school two years ago and am much less actively involved in team 1124 now, but it was great to come back and see how much team has grown. As my main role back in the day was in strategy and coaching, I sat in on some of the strategy meetings and worked with some of the newer strategists (including my younger sister who just joined the team ). 2791 and 195, you were more than just a little bit overcaffeinated, but the enthusiasm was great and all three teams really pulled it together and played well as an alliance during the eliminations. I don't think I've ever seen 5 quarterfinal matches at a competition, and I've been to quite a few. I'm hoping I'll be able to make it to the CT Regional so I can watch you guys play more!

Teams 20 and 230, I've seen you guys at many competitions as well. I remember that at the first regional I ever went to, I was in awe of team 20, and you sent me back to that day at WPI this year. Your team is amazing and you built a great bot. Team 230, we've played with each other and against each other many times- you consistently build high quality (and very safe!) robots. I'm glad it worked out for you this year, and I hope your next regional goes as well for you.

I'm going to add in another team to recognize here- team 3125. They faced a huge number of challenges this season, but somehow managed to overcome all of them. I was extremely pleased to see them recognized for it as the Rookie All-Star team at WPI. I know many of their team members personally, and I saw that they absolutely gave everything they had in them and more to make it to that point. I'm sure they'll go on to do quite well in the future (I hope I'll see you guys at Connecticut as well)!

Finally, to the members past and present of team 1124- I am so proud of you for how much you've grown as a team. The mentality of our team has changed so much over its eight seasons, and you have all come to realize what FIRST is really about and embrace those values. I had no idea that the outreach programs started back in 2006 would be continued and improved and spread to the extent they are today- everything you do is truly impressive. I was shocked and honored when they started reading bits of our Chairman's submission for the Chairman's award. I'm really proud to call myself a part of team 1124- keep being awesome!