2010 NASA/VCU regional!!!

[Nigel]

awesome pics, thanks so much... and we weren't sure we could do it until our driver pulled up there but yeah worked like a charm =D

[JoshD]

Congrats to 1676, 1086, and 1418 for winning, you guys earned it.

And to the runners up 617, 346, and 1895, congrats as well, you certainly gave us a run for our money, not to mention a heart attack when they announced the amendment to the 3rd match.

Overall I have no complaints about the regional, the field crew handled everything thrown at them, and adjusted how things went to keep things going. And on top of that, our team put in 110% this year, and I am extremely proud of everything they accomplished. And I think everyone else should walk away proud as well, this was a great regional and I know I for one enjoyed being there.

I look forward to seeing everyone back next year!

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Nigel

on a side note, does anyone have a picture of us after we climbed kilroy? I know there were several pictures taken and i was hoping to find one... oh thanks to kilroy for having such a sweet bot for us to climb

One of my parents took a ton of pics and i know I saw some of that ramping.

Now if I can get the CD from him and figure out how to do the picture thumbnails on this forum...

[jwuyhs]

Congrats to all the teams at VCU! That was one of the best regionals I have ever been to. It was also historic when there were two alliances that played about 8 to 9 matches in an hour, and that was even before finals!

Special congrats to 1676, 1086, and 1418 for winning the championship and to 617, 1895, and 346 for giving them a run for their money the second match

[gblake]

Amid the well-deserved accolades for the regional and (all) the teams that made it great and great fun - I would like to recognize six students from four teams. They were the champions and finalists in our third annual Virginia 5th Gear tournament Saturday.

Alex, Andrew and Trevor, from Teams 75, 2028 and 2862 got together during the regional to form the Phantom Pirate Raiders alliance and take top honors.

Runners-up (by just a single point) were a trio of Awkward Turtles from team 2708: Zachary, Bradlee and Tad.

Running the show at the regional was fun for David and me, and we hope using the simulator during the build season and afterward is fun and enlightening for you.

Blake
PS: Honorable mention goes to Eric, Alexander and Michael who came in 3rd.

[PayneTrain]

After two long, non-stop days at the Virginia Regional, Team 422 ended the season with a 21-10-4 record, a finalist berth at the SunCenter in New Jersey and a semifinalist berth at the Siegel Center in New Jersey. Who would have thought that a team could build a top-tier robot in 12 days? We had a difficult time believing our own success in New Jersey, but finishing 7-1-1 after qualifying in VCU and losing in the semifinals after playing an intense 5 matches, we proved that our success was not a fluke and we were one of the best 120 robots in the two competitions.

"Ahab" (I guess we're calling the robot Ahab now) was a testament to the experience and determination the team earned over last season, and will hopefully grow into a regional-winning robot for the 2011 competition season. Nothing would be cooler for a team that went from zeros to heroes in such a short time than to book our trip to St. Louis a year early.

Thanks to everyone that came out to watch one of the longest and most grueling regionals in years, and congrats to the Engin3rds, Lambda Corps, Robohawks, Pascack, Blue Cheese, and Vae Victus on a great finals series. 697, 346 and 1895 definitely had the sauce to give the #1 alliance a run for their money, but it was clear 1676 brought the best bot back from Trenton. (we're a close second, right?)

Also, one more shout-out to the Jersey teams: you all brought three teams that model how every team in FIRST should be. No wonder you all won so many awards. I hope that all other 60 teams there (including mine) take your practices and methods to heart this off-season.

[PiKman]

Thanks and congratulations to our partners on the winning "Mason's Blue Cheese Pi" alliance: 1086 and 1418. We played like a team, and not three individuals. You guys were fantastic on and off the field, and fun to hang out with in the queue between matches. See you in Atlanta.

Kevin

[Ed__]

Originally Posted by nukemknight

Pictures attached. Great elevation, and quite unexpected.

Yeah this was so close it just happen at the last second I mean the last second

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by September

And congrats to 617, 346, and 1895 for making history at the Virginia Regional by doing nine, pre-finals, elimination matches!

That was truly amazing, and I defy any other regional to match it. Talk about equally-matched teams!

They all need to supplement their team uniforms next year - with ties!

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

but it was clear 1676 brought the best bot back from Trenton. (we're a close second, right?)

Closer than you think. You guys have an awesome team, and an equally awesome robot. It was a real pleasure getting to know you at the Sun Bank Arena in Trenton, and great seeing you again at the Siegel Center in Richmond.

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

Also, one more shout-out to the Jersey teams: you all brought three teams that model how every team in FIRST should be. No wonder you all won so many awards. I hope that all other 60 teams there (including mine) take your practices and methods to heart this off-season.

Thank you for the kind words, again demonstrating why you guys are such an awesome team.

Some thanks are in order:

First, to 1086 and 1418: both excellent teams and excellent robots, who performed flawlessly throughout eliminations. 1086, I see why you guys have been the "local favorites" for a few years now, and I can tell you it's not because of your great robot. Oh, congrats on EI as well.

346, 617 and 1895: from a spectator's point of view, it may have looked like we "won easily", but to be honest you were formidable competition, we were worried.

122: wow, what a team, not at all surprising you were selected for Chairman's. I like your shirts, too - they stand out in a crowd, but in a classy, understated way. Congrats to Julia, too, well-deserved.

3168, congratulations on the RAS, and we hope to see you in Atlanta. You guys really do "get it", and we look forward to big things from your team in the coming years.

To our fellow teams from "Jersey": it was really great having your support in Virginia, you made our whole experience all that much better. We've been seeing you guys for years, but I think we all got a lot closer as teams this weekend, and we're even more honored to be considered your friends.

975, you guys are a great team, and the #2 seed proves it. We are glad we could help you out, and hope to meet up with you guys some time in the future. Say hello to your German kid from me, too and watch that metal dust!

134, I wish we could've figured out what caused that problem coming out of Autonomous. You guys were on our very short list of "first pick" because of your performance as a team both on and off the field.

977, we were proud to be able to get you guys through inspection (with huge help from 612 and 75) and onto the field. OK, the 'bot flipped a few times, but even then, a well-designed machine. Hope you guys had fun last weekend. Audie, we'll be in touch.

2012, you folks need to bow down to Ms. Crouch, she is awesome. What i want to know is who will be your programmer next year?

612, we met you guys in 2008 at Buckeye, and you were and continue to be an impressive team. Your mentors are top-notch.

I know there's someone I'm forgetting, so for that, I apologize. I drove back last night, and didn't get much sleep in the process.

Last but not least, I want to thank Lisa the head referee for keeping it as fair as it could be; the FTA who must have sprouted more than a few grey hairs trying to wrestle the field into compliance, and the great MC and announcers who, despite the trying circumstances, kept the crowd going.

The VCU venue was also quite nice, with everywhere an easy path between pits and stands. Clean restrooms and hot water, plus friendly staff I didn't like the $5 parking (but it's fully understandable) nor was the arena food selection compelling (hot dogs and... um, that's all, just hot dogs), but perhaps that's only because the competition out on the street (there are a dozen or more food places within a block, and I highly recommend the Jamaican place right across the street) is so strong.


See you in Atlanta!

[Lil' Lavery]

Congratulations to team 122 for (finally) winning the Regional Chairman's Award. You guys are one of the class act teams in all of FIRST, and have impressed and motivated me for years. Even when my former team (116) and yours had to play every single qualification match against each other in 2007, you handled it with professionalism and grace (and were one of the most fierce opponents we had to face all year). Can't wait to work with you guys in the future, and hope you can continue impressing everyone who crosses your path.

[Nigel]

Don--completely out of curiosity was my team (3136-ORCA) on your pick list anywhere? we're 100% happy with how it all played out, yet curiosity begs the question regardless of the answer

[1086VEX]

wow...another amazing regional!!! team 1086 would love to thank team 1676 for picking us and team 1418 for being such a great alliance partner! it was awesome sight seeing this alliance run together so flawlessly match after match.

And congrats for teams 346, 617, 1895 for making it to the finals! those semifinal matches were really exciting to see! and the second finals match was as close as it gets!

And one more congrats goes out to team 122 for their well deserved Chairmans Award win!!!

we can't wait to see some of you in NC and Atlanta this year!!

-Alex

[JOClarke]

Team 1086 would like to thank 1676 and 1418 for making a great regional winning alliance.

1676 The Pascack Pi-oneers thank you for making us your #1 pick: recognizing that the rankings don't show the true colors of a team. You guys are truly a great team and worthy advisary in the run for the Chairmans.

To the Pascack Pi-oneers coaches and mentors - you truly are role models for your students and other teams - I learned a lot from you during the time we spent together.

To the Pascack Pi-oneers Drive team - you guys were incredilble and true alliance leaders - from one drive team coach to another it was a great experience to work with you.

To Don Rotolo - Thank you for the kind and inspiring words. It is easy to see why your team has been a Rookie All Star, Chairmans and Regional winner.

To team 612 you guys rock - and your mentors are inspiring - I realize what a great mentor Philip Sica is - last years Woodie Flowers Winner is - I'm honored to stand with him and the other Woodie Flowers Winners.

To team 122 you guys told us last year that you were going to push even harder in your outreach and spreading the word of FIRST - your team has been an inspiration to 1086 for a long time - you are a true role model team. We will be in good company at the North Carolina regional.

To team 975 you guys don't know how lucky you are to have Lloyd O'hara and Bob Benway - we would have gladly accepted your offer to alli with you -great robot, great team and great mentors.

To all the volunteers, officials and other teams - thank you for making this a regional to never forget.

[mama_tree]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

3168, congratulations on the RAS, and we hope to see you in Atlanta. You guys really do "get it", and we look forward to big things from your team in the coming years.

Thank you so much! It was an amazing weekend. My kids really enjoyed playing with y'all in the qualifying rounds. We can't wait to get to Atlanta and show everyone what these Noobs can do!

[delsaner]

What an amazing last couple of days.

I would like to thank/congratulate every team in Virginia for making this a wonderful event to attend. Virginia really knows how to run a competition.

1086 and 1418- It was an honor playing with you in the elimination matches. You had an amazing robot out on the field. Congratulations on the Engineering Inspiration award, you guys deserved it.

Connor Clarke of 1086- Congratulations for winning the WFFA; I had been acquainted with you for the two hours during the elimination matches, and I can clearly see why you won. (Thanks for the cheese-head, by the way )

346, 617, and 1895- It was a pleasure facing you all in the finals. You executed a phenomenal strategy which got me scared in the second finals match.

122- Well deserved RCA. You truly spread the knowledge of FIRST from what I heard, and with that, you should be proud to have that blue Chairman's banner, you've earned it.

Everyone- Thanks again for making this regional a regional to remember. I hope to see you all in Atlanta!!