Who plays better defense, Midwest or Northeast?

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Andy Grady

Do you stress Defense over Offense?
Is your motto..."Why score? There are three robots on the field that I call targets!"

Hmmmm...
Every time I read this it just gets me thinking.

Grady, how can you claim "defense" as a New England thing?
My "Top Three Defensive Robots" are ALL from the midwest... (it was shocking realization.)

In chronological order...

Technokat 1999 - Mean Treads, Mean Stiffarm, Puck Pwned
The mighty TKO struck terror into the hearts of FIRSTers everywhere. They could outpush almost anyone, and they certainly were able to hold their own on the puck. They're weapon of choice? A turreting, multi-jointed stiff arm. Were it not for a broken wire, 45 may have been the first team to win consecutive championships. (45 - 1999, They settled for the silver.)

Wildstang 2003 - The Ultimate Swerving Wedge
I saw robots bounce off of these guys left and right. In the year of tough drivetrains, this machine almost always stood it's ground. Though many of the "brick on wheels" robots from this year could be considered defensive, Stang certainly was a cut above. (111 - National Champion 2003)

Martian 2004 - "Who wants to play?"
Anyone who saw them knows what I'm talking about. They're play certainly carried them to the top. I won't ellaborate... but if you were there, you know. (494 - National Champion 2004)

I suppose good cases could be made for other robots... but these three just take the cake. My personal vision of hell involves 111-2003 with 45-1999's arm on top.

I guess those midwesterners do know a thing or two about defense...
I shudder to think what a defensive robot coming from Hammond would look like...

-JV