Most Exciting Regional.

[Mark Pierce]

It is a testament to the game design and the growth of the FIRST program that there are so many well supported arguments for most exciting. As little as four years ago, this subject could easily be discussed among maybe five undisputed "Most Exciting" regionals. Obviously, other regions have caught up with the early regionals. While I think West Michigan continued it's seven year tradition of having some of the most exciting matches anywhere, it seems the gap has shrunk considerably.

I really didn't see all that many matches this year, so I can't pass judgment, but why limit the excitement criteria to the playing field? At Arizona, many new teams showed up with inoperable or illegal robots. By Friday morning all of them were on the field thanks to help from established teams. It seems there was lots of excitement in those pits that day. Every award ceremony has it's share of excitement. This year the Arizona mentor thank you and West Ottawa's announcement of the State Senate's declaration of March as Michigan FIRST Robotics Month come immediately to mind. I will forever remember last year's WMR Woodie Flowers Award.

The thrills of a heroic repair, a well deserved award, a compliment on our efforts, the growth of our team members, making new friends.... These can make a memorable and exciting FIRST regional as much as a close match.