2011 North Carolina Regional

[Greg Young]

No one else has gotten around to starting this thread so I will. Some speculation included.

Welcome to all the teams coming to North Carolina this season. I look forward to seeing all of you in April.

A quick heads-up for those who haven't been here before. If you are allergic to tree pollen be sure to bring along a supply of your preferred allergy medication. Last April the pollen levels were breaking records during the competition due to a cold winter and sudden warmup. It shouldn't be as bad this year, but early April is tree pollen season.

The NC regional has reached initial capacity of 39 teams. All 25 North Carolina teams are registered, along with 9 South Carolina teams and five teams from other states.

NC 24
SC 9
MA 1
MD 1
NH 1
NY 1
VA 1

Returning teams from out of state are 449, The Blair Robot Project and 1319, Flash. Welcome back.

Two NC teams from last year haven't registered yet this year. Team 2108 dissolved and reappeared as 2055 and 2059. Team 3394 hasn't been heard from yet.

There seven NC rookie teams registered so far. I have heard that the number of NC FRC teams is expected to double over 2010. If that happens about ten more rookie teams should show up before registration closes. If they all come to the NC regional that would give around 16 rookies and a final capacity of about 50 with almost 1/3 rookies.

Nine of the teams are second year teams.

As of today, 19 of the teams are registered for a single event, 17 of the NC teams. Some are probably waitlisted somewhere but that seems like a large proportion.

How strong is the field? I'm not the one to make that call, but as it stands today 22 of the teams will be at their first competition of the season. If more rookies register that number will likely go up.

Based on recent records 343 Metal-in-Motion looks like the team to beat. 527 and 1319 will be at their 3rd competition, so should have lots of experience and a well honed strategy.

I'm expecting a great time and looking forward to meeting lots of new people.