Adult coach?

[Karthik]

Some assorted thoughts.

Team 1114 has used an exclusively used an adult coach since 2004, and will continue to do so in the future. Having an adult coach provides our driveteam an unique opportunity to learn and be inspired by industry professionals in the highest paced of environments. In addition, it gives our team the possible chance of success. One of the core values on Simbotics is that winning is a fun and inspirational experience.

Part of FIRST's mission is to help create science and technology heroes. The students of 1114 have many heroes within FIRST, many of whom are adult field coaches of other teams. Our kids get ridiculously excited at even the thought of working with coaches like Raul Olivera, Brian Beatty or Ken Patton. This year in Atlanta, we were fortunate enough to be paired with 217 and 148, coached by Paul Copioli and JVN. The kids are still talking about what an amazing and interesting experience it was to work with these two. These adult coaches are the "rock stars" of our program, and I know on Simbotics the kids really do look up to and aspire to be a great as these coaches.

When it comes to alliance selection, Team 1114 puts a huge emphasis on coaching. We are much more likely to pick a team who has a coach who has a commanding presence in the box, and has been a proven winner through out the years. We have made picks based on this rationale and have never regretted it.