2003 IRI: A driver's last hurrah or a new rookie driver's experience?

[Amanda Morrison]

After some thought and some conversations with different people from different teams, the suggestion that IRI is a 'FIRST senior driver's last hurrah' came into play. While one point of view (mainly advisors) mentioned that they thought the driving privileges should be revoked for rookie experience, drivers seem to want to relish in this last display of their skills in the heat of the match.

I'm actually just curious as to what other teams are planning on doing and their reasoning.

Some points of view:

Although this may be a drivers' last chance to show their stuff, shouldn't everyone else get a chance, too? Maybe many people didn't get the chance to drive before the robot was shipped, so this is their chance to do so. The future of a FIRST team's competitiveness sometimes relies heavily on the training and aggressiveness of their driver. Next year's students should start training now for the betterment of the drive team next year.

However, is it worth to pay the entry fee to IRI (not even to mention the traveling and lodging costs) for simple training for rookies? Can't they practice on a regular field? Doesn't this take away from the driving experience? Should a driver be hurt if their advisors remove them from the drivers seat to enter a rookie?

I hope to hear some good viewpoints.

[Mike Schroeder]

well seeing as its our team's drivers last year, and we are possible (if we go) bringing 6 peopel to IRI, then i will have to say that its gonna be our seniors, seeing as they are the ones that can go... unless you let me drive... but i would kill someone.. any chance of a college student only match?

[Andy Baker]

During the IRI and at other post-season competitions, our team is run by the students alone. This is the last chance for the seniors to shine, in my opinion.

Now, if it is a fall competition... like Ford Sweet Repeat or Kettering Kickoff or Cal Games... then it should be for the new members for the upcoming year, of course.

your mileage may vary...

Andy B.

[Jeff Waegelin]

We run things just like Andy said. Spring and summer competitions are the "last hurrah" for seniors. We figure they've earned it, and they know the robot the best. Fall competitions, however, are a chance to get new people trained and involved.

[Collin Fultz]

while i agree that a senior should have the time to shine, i believe that that time should have come at the regionals and championship event. most teams stick with one driver (maybe two) for all their "season" events, due to one main fact...$$$$ . when it costs $5000 just to put your team name in an event, you probably want to have your best man (or woman) behind the wheel. IRI will not cost that much money. less than 10% of what it costs to enter a regional for as many teams (actually more than some) and some amazing competition. Odds are there weren't just two or three people on your team who contributed this year. i am a huge fan of giving everyone who the mentors feel earned it a chance to drive the robot. who knows, you might just find a really great driver you never expected.

[GregTheGreat]

I think that a driver and the team should have the option. I believe that they should train other drivers, but also have a little fun. I know recently at a exhibition that we attended, a fellow bot broke. Our drivers gave up our robot and let them drive it, just for the fun of it. I figure, let teams play how they want to play. The "real stuff's" over, now it is time to cool down and have some fun.

I hope to see all you guys at IRI.

[Ryan Dognaux]

I think the IRI is a time for new drivers/human players to get some experience... The seniors have had their time, move on okay that was a little harsh but that's just how I feel.

Originally posted by Ryan Dognaux
I think the IRI is a time for new drivers/human players to get some experience... The seniors have had their time, move on okay that was a little harsh but that's just how I feel.

I'm willing to make a bet that when you are a senior in this position you will slap yourself in the face for that comment. I said the exact same thing a few years ago, but now I realized its totally wrong. There will be plenty of time to practice. let the seniors have their last run.

[Brant Bowen]

Originally posted by D.J. Fluck
I'm willing to make a bet that when you are a senior in this position you will slap yourself in the face for that comment. I said the exact same thing a few years ago, but now I realized its totally wrong. There will be plenty of time to practice. let the seniors have their last run.

Practice time??? As in maybe before shipping???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Anyways I think it should be a little of both, the new guy can help the old guy, switch things up a bit. Anyways that's just what I think. Most importantly leave it up to the team.

[Josh Hambright]

I'm gonna have to agree with DJ on this one. Offseason comps should be fun.. there are always fall competitions for training when seniors are off at college or where-ever.

I used to say then same thing last year but then i freaked when i realized i would never be able to drive again...its really kinda earth shattering when you realize its over...

[Amanda Morrison]

Originally posted by oneangrydwarf
I used to say then same thing last year but then i freaked when i realized i would never be able to drive again...its really kinda earth shattering when you realize its over...

I have never been a driver, but I can only imagine. I completely sympathize with you guys. I will never forget the look on Kevin Kolodziej's face (two year driver for 71) after IRI last year. I mean, the guy has two national championships under his belt, he was the box man before that, and had driven well over a hundred matches. And his face was just sad, like something for him had just ended. While you may go on in FIRST, you can never drive again- and that glory is just kind of stripped from you.

[David Kelly]

Originally posted by D.J. Fluck
I'm willing to make a bet that when you are a senior in this position you will slap yourself in the face for that comment. I said the exact same thing a few years ago, but now I realized its totally wrong. There will be plenty of time to practice. let the seniors have their last run.

I was a driver for 2 and a half years. Coming into the IRI last year i said, "heck I had a blast driving lets let the underclassmen drive and get experice for next year".


I wasnt nearly as scared watching somebody else drive it after i was graduminated. It was fun watching them

[CrazyCarl461]

Originally posted by David Kelly
heck I had a blast driving lets let the underclassmen drive and get experice for next year

This is exactly how I felt last year at IRI. Sometimes it is just best to take those fond memories and cherish them. Remember that it was a fun ride, but it's time to get off. Besides, being an advisor has its own benefits..

It is totally up to the team, though. Each team has different needs.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Originally posted by D.J. Fluck
I'm willing to make a bet that when you are a senior in this position you will slap yourself in the face for that comment. I said the exact same thing a few years ago, but now I realized its totally wrong. There will be plenty of time to practice. let the seniors have their last run.

No... I doubt I would "slap myself" for making that comment. If I had a chance to drive I would definately pass it along. I believe the senior's last run should be the National Championship, and most likely I always will.

[Ashley Weed]

Originally posted by Amanda Morrison
I have never been a driver, but I can only imagine. I completely sympathize with you guys. I will never forget the look on Kevin Kolodziej's face (two year driver for 71) after IRI last year. I mean, the guy has two national championships under his belt, he was the box man before that, and had driven well over a hundred matches. And his face was just sad, like something for him had just ended. While you may go on in FIRST, you can never drive again- and that glory is just kind of stripped from you.

As a driver, I can fully back that up. The first competition you attend after you are retired is completely different. I was never so depressed before. I drove for three games(Ramp Riot, Zone Zeal, and Stack Attack).. and the most difficult part was giving it up.... not losing an amazing match.. but not doing it at all anymore.