IRI - Registration, Plans, Changes for 2010

[Kit Gerhart]

I'll be there whether or not Team 233 attends. IRI is always a great event, and since I spend summers in Kokomo, I'm only about 50 miles away.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by waialua359

What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?

There's a walmart a few miles away from the high school. We find it's easier to buy the stuff there, then to try to bring it on the plane.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by waialua359

Chris,
What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?
Glenn

Glenn,
The teams that participate will be busy with the competition but if and when you get a chance, look around at all the other opportunities that the event planners make available; it is really something. One of the things they do that is thoughtful and wonderful is that they keep the backpacks present as much as possible. In the past, they've lined the backpacks up under the tables that have the Silent Auction going on against one wall. They've also put them on the field as a quiet backdrop and presence during the awards/closing ceremony. It's like the backpacks are involved in the the event(s) with everyone, as a recognition of their importance and a thank you for all of the teams' generosity. Really neat. I always get a backpack put together and would be more than happy to get your team's ready for you guys and have it there for you, if you're accepted. Just send me a pm and let me know if I can help.

Jane

[waialua359]

Joe,
Thanks for the great advise.
Jane,
Thanks for your generous offer.

I think we will bring some items that have "Hawaii" marked on them and buy the rest at Walmart in town.

We have already made reservations for hotels and rental cars (which can be easily cancelled if we dont get accepted). Thank God its relatively cheap, since our airfare quotes are starting at $1050/person.
We plan to only bring a drive/mentor team since our kids are all tied up with other things for the summer.

[PVCpirate]

How exactly do the 4 team alliances work for this game?

[dodar]

all it is, is kind of a "pick your own back-up" 4th pick

[yodameister]

It appears that 2791 is going to have a few people at IRI this year to volunteer. Is it possible for us to bring our bot to possibly compete in the mentor matches (assuming we contribute enough greenbacks)?

[J93Wagner]

Originally Posted by dodar

all it is, is kind of a "pick your own back-up" 4th pick

With the exception that your back-up has to play at least once.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by J93Wagner

With the exception that your back-up has to play at least once.

Not at IRI! That was the pre-2005, 3-team finals alliance, 2 teams playing rules that we no longer play by, except maybe at some offseason events; IRI, whether or not the backup is used depends on the scenario/strategy. Just to pick a team, 68 won in 2008, but never entered the field during eliminations.

To reiterate: 4 teams, 3 on the field, 1 as a reserve, which teams you play is an alliance decision.

[J93Wagner]

I stand corrected. Thanks for catching that.