New England Hartford District: Special Thanks to FRC 177 & FRC 155

[lnex1357]

On behalf of FRC 2168, The Aluminum Falcons, I would like to express our gratitude to FRC 177, the Bobcats for inviting us make a run at the Hartford blue banner together with FRC 155, The Techno Nuts. Since 2168 became a competitive team in 2011 we have only shared the same side of the glass with 177 in qualification matches and have long dreamed of a scenario in eliminations where we had an opportunity to work with the Bobcats who have an incredible legacy not only in New England but also on the world stage.

This particular situation was especially special to us, as despite building what we feel to be a competitive machine, our fortunes thus far this season have been dictated by too often being on the wrong side of the match schedule, with a half-dozen 1 v 3 and 2 v 3 match ups, and the game taking its toll on our partners. Leaving the WPI district with 28 pts., (our worst points earning in a district event ever) certainly was punch to the gut.

While we like any other competitive FRC team had our eyes set on the blue banner at Hartford, we are incredibly grateful to have finished as finalist with our friends and earn enough points to bring our team back to NE champs again for another crack at the NE Championship banner. It was an awesome and fun ride to the finals with both our partners and we can’t say enough about the level of humility, comradery, and competitiveness our partners brought to the alliance. We humbly look forward to what we hope to be many more opportunities to play together in the future. Thank you!

This would not be complete without a congratulations to the winning alliance of 195, 558 and 3461. The final matches felt very much like a district championship elimination battle. The Cyber Nights and Robo Squad have each poised themselves to make a strong run at the final true world championship. The Aluminum Falcons hope to earn the opportunity to represent New England and Connecticut with you in St. Louis.

[JEE89]

From a member on Team 3146, I'm proud of how far you guys went after our exciting match-up in qualifications, because although as it always hurts to lose, losing to the alliance that wound up being the competition's finalist made it a little better. Though, losing by one singular point was not a very pleasurable experience, to say the least.

I wish you luck in the future of the 2016 season, as ours has seemed to come to an end, and Rosie Robotics, 839, Buzz Robotics, 175, Robowranglers, 1153, and Northern Force, 172, for all teaming up with us for the 2016 season. It was a fun one.

Maybe sometime in the future we can pull something off together like we did at Pioneer Valley last year

[CTbiker105]

You guys fielded an excellent machine this past weekend. I couldn't believe you lasted as long as you did in alliance selection. Picking you was an absolute steal for 177.

Those final two matches were very intense, as is becoming more and more typical of NE district events. We were scrambling to adjust our strategy after the second one, as we were positive you had won. I think the 10 minute period between the end of the match and the score display gave me enough anxiety to last a lifetime.

Also, fun fact: our two alliances put up an even 700 cumulative points (with fouls) in those two matches.

[who716]

Congratulations 2168 on your finalist run in Hartford and we hope to play with you guys again at district championships. We are in the same boat as you where we scored 27 points at Wpi and are looking to get about 40 at Maine this week.

Our team loves working with you guys everyone is focused and always has a great strategy and truly one of my personal favorite teams, hope to see you at district champs.

[Jake177]

Thank you 2168 for being fantastic partners. Your ability to fly over the defenses, shoot high, and play defense when needed really helped round out our alliance. As our second pick was approaching, I pointed out to our drive coach that you were still on the board, and his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. He and I were both ready to jump up and start flapping our arms if our on-field representative happened to look over at us, just to make sure he didn't miss you.

I also want to thank 155 for helping us pull two upsets and almost take the finals to a third match. I was impressed by how well you came out of the gate Week 1 at Waterbury with your fast, consistent high goal shooting, and you've only gotten better since then. I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for NE Champs.

Finally, congratulations to the winning alliance 195, 558 and 3461.
195 - I have a tremendous amount of respect for everything you do both on an off the field. Every time we're both at the same event I wonder if it will finally be the one where we get to work together during eliminations in-season. (I'm pretty sure the only time we've shared the glass in a non-qualification match was WIWI in '13.)
558 - After spending six weeks building a robot as successful as the one you had in Waterbury, I can't imagine deciding to turn around and spend another four weeks building a completely new one. You guys are crazy in the best possible way. Congratulations also on your District Chairman's. You guys are very quickly amassing quite the collection of blue banners.
3461 - It's great to see you guys really starting to come into your own this year. Your simple but effective machine is an asset to any team fortunate enough to work with you.

[Banderoonies]

Finally, congratulations to the winning alliance 195, 558 and 3461.
195 - I have a tremendous amount of respect for everything you do both on an off the field. Every time we're both at the same event I wonder if it will finally be the one where we get to work together during eliminations in-season. (I'm pretty sure the only time we've shared the glass in a non-qualification match was WIWI in '13.)


Thank you Jake. We too respect 177, your legacy is amazing and you were our inspiration for our team's effort toward transformation 7 years ago.