14-03-2012 00:17

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Nope. Mark Leon.

'Nuff said.

14-03-2012 00:20

Lil' Lavery

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Blair and Jeff are unquestionably the two best MCs in my mind. Dave, Karthik, and Mark are also among my favorites.

Jeff has the bonus of being a terrific game announcer as well.

14-03-2012 00:30

mdiradoorian

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Agreeing with SuperNerd256 Mark Leon is the best MC

14-03-2012 00:31

Nuttyman54

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

QFT. Blair has some of the best opening ceremony antics ever (including being dumped on the field by a Zamboni, rollerblading and wearing a goat suit, not to mention riding a bicycle around the field at Oregon)

Jeff does the best team intros I know of on Einstein. His memory for team histories and connections is mind-blowing, and add a whole extra layer to the match hype.

14-03-2012 00:36

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

It's scary how that costume looks so much like our mascot....

14-03-2012 00:36

Mr V

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I agree with Princess Natalie, Blair is the best I've seen, and I'll echo Nuttyman's comments about opening Blair's antics.

14-03-2012 00:43

Nuttyman54

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

That is, in fact, the WPI mascot* costume, at the inaugural 2010 WPI regional. He is also wearing the famous 358 "Short shorts" over it.


*The official WPI mascot is the Engineers, but it is unofficially Gompei the Goat (or Gompei's head, in particular), so this is the mascot costume that we have.

14-03-2012 00:47

Akash Rastogi

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

This is something I seriously look forward to each season. Jeff's introductions are the freaking best. My favorite was 2009.

14-03-2012 01:30

Cory

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Blair rarely announces, but he was great at it the few times I've heard him. Blair is pretty much the best in my book.

You're thinking of Dave Verbrugge.

14-03-2012 01:32

Nuttyman54

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Whoops, Correct you are. It's too late for me to be on Delphi. Jeff Seaton was also quite good the few times I've heard him MC, but Dave Verbrugge is Mr. Einstein.

I believe Blair usually does the play-by-play on Einstein as well, or at least has several years.

14-03-2012 01:35

nikeairmancurry

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave Verbrugge and Karthik are probably the two most story telling MC's in FIRST. Both have that nack for alot of knowledge of the teams.

Dave has probably one of the best regional openings I've ever heard in my life. His perfect storm speech, perfectly told the events to come at the 2008 GLR and his Einstein openings are great.

Karthik also loves to tell stories of the past. I've never seen him MC live, but over a webcast is just as good.

These are my to favorite MC's.

14-03-2012 01:50

George A.

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave is the best story teller MC hands down. Though I must admit I'm quite partial to working with Chiniqua.

14-03-2012 01:58

Justin Montois

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

My vote is for Karthik, hands down.

14-03-2012 02:43

jason701802

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I miss the days when Woodie was our emcee. No one has lived up to him in my opinion.

14-03-2012 03:11

Austin2046

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I have to agree with you both as well, but i will say Blair is a close second in my book.

14-03-2012 08:02

Squeakypig

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I liked when Paul Copioli came from Texas and did some MC-ing at Troy last year. On top of that, he was the best Lego League MC ever! (Thunderquest competitor 2002-2005).

Karthik is a close second for his flying jump-kicks to introduce teams.

14-03-2012 08:11

Mike Rizzo

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I always loved the Umbrella-Hatted Stilt-Walking, Barry Bohnsack

14-03-2012 08:16

pfreivald

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

The melding of Karthik's MCing and Jondarr's booming voice is an epic combination of epic epicness that is, to be frank, epically epic.

14-03-2012 10:39

dsmoker

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I'm a northeast gal, so my vote's got to go for Jack Kentfield (aka Jack in the Hat) and Andy Grady. Both knowledgeable, fun and high energy.

14-03-2012 10:53

Rosiebotboss

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I have to agree with dsmoker....Jack in the Hat Kentfield is right up there with the best of them. He is a BIG presence on the field, whatever field that is, FLL, FTC or FRC. The powers that be need to get him back on an FRC field.

14-03-2012 14:55

dag0620

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I was reading this and was starting to wonder when any of our Northeast guys were going to be mentioned!

Jack Kentfield is by far my favorite MC. Maybe it's cause he does our off-season, but he's just like a local legend up here, and the show and enthusiasm he has, it's second to none. We're gonna miss you at CT Jack!

Also gotta throw my support behind Andy Grady as well. He is both a fantastic MC and Game Announcer, and is one of the few people I've seen who can really do a great job at both roles.

14-03-2012 15:00

Jack Jones

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

If you want to find the best MC, just look toward Einstein.

14-03-2012 16:54

Kris Verdeyen

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Depends. Emceeing the finals and the quals are two different beasts.

For the Quals: Blair. He has a talent in making intros interesting when, by all rights, they ought not be. I saw him bring a two year old out to help with the introductions once. It should not have worked, but it did.

For the Finals: Dave Verbrugge. The dude has the memory of an elephant. If they let him actually just run Einstein like it was a competition, instead of a pageant, it'd blow your mind.

For Awards: Blair. Pleasing Baritone.

14-03-2012 17:01

plnyyanks

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

This. Mark Leon, all the way. I can just picture him on Archimedes in 2010 running circles around the field and somersaulting over bumps. So. Much. Win.

"It's time to do the math and save the world."

14-03-2012 18:27

akoscielski3

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Karthik Hands down. He started introducing us as Seven Seven Who?! So thats part of it. But he is amazing at introducing teams When we reach Eliminations. With his giant fist punching kick thingy, telling the story behind a team, and very loud and encouraging voice! Nothing can beet it.

14-03-2012 20:49

Carolyn_Grace

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Like he does at the Michigan State Championship event? Anyone who wants to see Dave at his finest should come to MSC! The stories that he tells from past years, and the history of the accomplishments of the teams that are there give goosebumps to the entire crowd. I've never seen a massive crowd of high school students go as silent and pay as close attention as when Dave Verbrugge is out there for Opening Ceremonies. It is pretty much my favorite part of the State Champs.

14-03-2012 22:31

BrendanB

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave, Blair, and Andy they are THE best in when it comes to FIRST emcees between knowledge, energy, and awesomeness!

14-03-2012 23:55

Aiyash

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave Verbrugge is by far the best MC. There's a reason why he ALWAYS does the MSC and Einstein.

As far as play by play, Tom Nader is the best. Hands down. I love that man!

15-03-2012 00:28

wendymom

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I'm sure everyone thinks their MC is the best, so I have to speak up for the team of Dan Richardson and George Wallace. They MC the Orlando Regional and will be working the new South Florida Regional as well.

They both started in FIRST in high school and have been involved either as a student or mentor for most of Florida's 10 years as a regional.

Dan can spout the history of just about any Florida team and knows all the connections between teams. It is so much fun listening to him tell the stories of all the teams during eliminations.

15-03-2012 01:37

Conor Ryan

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

2006 Boston Regional, may have had some of the greatest antics ever to be at an FRC event. However, highly credible sources say Hawaii puts on one hell of a show.

When Blair pulled this off nobody expected it.

Blair gets my vote, cause lots of people can do the story telling part, but not many have the balls for this (even if it is half a poof ball strapped to your head).

15-03-2012 03:10

waialua359

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Play by play game announcer-Dan Green!
I pushed to have him come to Hawaii this year, but with no luck......YET.
MC-Mark and Blair.
However, for those that remember Mark during his younger days, no one had more energy and crazy antics than him for sure!

15-03-2012 03:55

Lil' Lavery

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I'm a little disappointed that this is all the same names that would have been raised 5 years ago (minus Paul "Copioil"). If you subtract the Karthik and Barry references, 10 years ago as well. FIRST has had on and off pushes for keeping the MCs in older hands, but I'm kinda hoping for one of the younger/newer generation of MCs to make a name for themselves. Unfortunately, I haven't seen one do it yet. Not that their performances are bad, just none of them have stepped to that next level yet and really created their own personality.

Also, I'm completely unsurprised by the "name your regional's MC" trend in the thread. Though the lack of respect for Jeff Seaton is surprising.

15-03-2012 08:07

RoboMom

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

All the names mentioned above are just great!

The MC's are all hardworking and each brings his/her own spin and energy and personality to the event.

Honestly, although I have been lucky enough to see watch so many in action I would be hard pressed to pick "the best". They are all different. Every event that gets one of the very experienced MC's (the ones who get to move on to the Championship) is very lucky. And every event lucky enough to recruit someone who really knows FIRST, and can do the background banter is blessed. It really is not a contest. As the number of events grows, we need more and more MC's who are welcome.

I know that I am in awe of Greg Needel and his knowledge of the teams and the banter, and we are so lucky to have him at the Chesapeake.

15-03-2012 08:19

nikeairmancurry

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I have a possible up and comer for you, Grant Cox, former 217 driver. He has all the makes of a great MC just waiting to come out. Tons of energy, jumps around or over people. Displays a good history of FIRST, and purely enjoys watching every match. He also likes to break out the trivia and jokes during timeouts and between matches. He doesn't get to showcase his talents much with going to Michigan Tech, but he sure gives it a go when he can. Grant, for sure could become the next great MC.

15-03-2012 13:20

Kims Robot

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I'll add a new one!! - Angry Eric!

Ok so I'm a little biased... but the great Andy Grady & Libby will vouch for me! Eric has been MC'ing for 6 years now and has done NNYRI FLL & FTC competitions, FLFLL Champs, Beantown Blitz, Ruckus, and the Boston Regional!

This year he has a new "outfit" for opening & finals, but will be returning with the red mohawk! (My favorite part is he has to wear the mohawk to work for a week between the two regionals he will be doing!! lol)

Although for the "long time", I agree with Blair & Woodie being my favorites. I also think we may see Dylan's name coming up in the future... he had an amazing voice & did a great job the few times they put him out at FLR (ahem I hope he comes back next year full time!!)

15-03-2012 13:38

EricLeifermann

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Now, I am biased because I've known the guy for over 10 years, but Tyler Olds is a fantastic MC and announcer, he regularly does 4-5 comps in the Midwest and he has announced and done some MCing at championships for the past 3 or 4 years.

That being said when I think about a FRC MC I can only hear Dave Verbugge's voice and when I think FRC announcing I can only hear Dan Green's voice

15-03-2012 14:28

dag0620

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I just want to say, not only is that picture awesome for Eric, but what ever Jacob's doing, it's looking pretty awesome.

Yes that's getting into our favorite FTAs now, but I just had to mention it

15-03-2012 15:22

StAxis

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

None of you ever heard of Barry? Come on!

15-03-2012 16:05

Grim Tuesday

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

This. Nothing quite beats the trademark jump-and-point.

15-03-2012 16:34

JackN

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I remember really enjoying Jeff Seaton when watching past VCU webcasts, he has the right amount of passion and entertainment to keep me engaged in an event that I had very little connection to.

Being from Michigan I have to vote for Dave Verbrugge, I think he is the most articulate and interesting emcee there is. He builds the excitement/tension/energy in an event without moves and antics, he uses a calm and consistent delivery, excellent diction and a mind with an extremely descriptive history of FIRST. I have gotten goosebumps on multiple occasions while watching him.

I do really enjoy Paul Copioli, especially his introduction to matches two and three of the finals at the Troy District last year. The way he broke down the two alliances and explained keys was something I hadn't seen in a long time.

15-03-2012 22:02

Carol

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

They are all great, and there is no way you can classify any of them as best. That said, I do remember a regional with Blair as game announcer in which there were many 0-0 matches. But Blair had the knack of making them all seem to be the most exciting matches you have ever seen.

P.S. Do you realize that Blair runs the training calls for all FRC emcees and game announcers?

15-03-2012 22:19

GoSparx

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave Verbrugge hands down. He is the only man to drive out in Atlanta with some GM car, with 3 woman, all while playing "Sharp Dressed Man" over the PA system. So good.

16-03-2012 03:32

ThirteenOfTwo

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

The 2010 Hawaii Regional ceremonies were absolutely insane. If I remember right, they featured...

--aerial dancers above the field
--fire dancing on the field
--the DJ in drag joining a local dance crew in a rendition of "Thriller"
--Mark Leon's judo rolls

16-03-2012 16:35

TeamSpyder1622

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Agreed. NO one can even come close to his awesomeness

16-03-2012 19:46

Koko Ed

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Yeah. That combo is hard to beat.

16-03-2012 19:49

Koko Ed

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Grant will continue to be an up and comer so long as he doesn't manage to kill himself diving off of the field at MARC.
That dude is nuts!

16-03-2012 20:30

Dancin103

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I gotta go with George on this one. Chiniqua's energy level is unprecedented, not to mention the fact that she's awesome.

16-03-2012 21:17

Foster

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

+1 for Paul Copioli. The man is a walking FRC match history machine. At IRI for the eliminations he gives you chapter and verse of who's played who in prior years and the match outcomes. And with all of the top teams that makes the trip to IRI there is a lot of interesting history. A match is no longer two dozen kids and a few robots, it's a full fledged "Hatfields, Snoopy and the Jets vs. McCoys, Red Barron and the Sharks" with Robots!

OTOH, MAR has got some new MC's doing their matches, I'm sure we will be hearing about them in the near future.

16-03-2012 22:06

nikeairmancurry

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

While I'm the fool who encouraged it and filmed it.. lol

16-03-2012 22:19

Horsegirrl

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

My vote will always be for Chiniqua! She is a true inspiration, and i will never stop looking up to her!

16-03-2012 22:21

xSAWxBLADEx

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Caption: Brohoof? BROHOOF!

17-03-2012 01:29

kstl99

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Wow. Nobody has mentioned Dave Price as an MC? I haven't really seen many of the people previously mentioned so I cannot compare them. I really appreciate Dave's humor without silly gimmicks. He seems to have a comment for each team and pays attention to what they have accomplished so far at the regional and in the past.

17-03-2012 02:55

Nikki Haux

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Yes. No other words are necessary

17-03-2012 19:32

torihoelscher

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I think Barry Bohnsack is the best Emcee for FRC and FTC. He makes it very very amusing! Always positive

17-03-2012 20:02

Barry Bonzack

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I wouldn't be disappointed by this, statistically it should be expected. FIRST sends their best and most experienced Emcee's and Game Announcers to rookie regionals, so there is a much higher percentage of audiences that get to see Blair and Mark in Action, which is a good thing!

Blair is awesome. My first year emceeing was in 2007, and I did Florida as well as Kansas City for its rookie regional year. I was trained by blair, and that regional happened to land on St. Patrick's Day, and he emceed the entire day dressed as a leprechaun.

Of all emcee's I've worked with, no one is more enjoyable than Dan. His history lessons of the teams in the Florida finals are fantastic, and his high energy introductions are crowd pleasers, but nothing beats his sense of humor.
+1 for "Rand Dichardson"


I have a nomination for who we all really want as an Emcee... Morgan Freeman. He already attends the Championship event. Let him emcee just one match, it will be legendary, make it happen.

17-03-2012 21:15

Koko Ed

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

II know it was his FIRST regional but Dan who worked at Montreal was REALLY impressive. I truly hope to see him come to championships. He was alot of fun!

17-03-2012 21:24

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

YES. We need to have Morgan Freeman MC! At EINSTEIN!

It would more than make up for last year's Einstein game (not a single note was played that match. )

17-03-2012 22:28

scottandme

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Seconded - he did an amazing job, best I've seen in 4+ years in FIRST. The man was moving nonstop during every match break, field reset, and communications delay. His seamlessly transition between French and English was something to behold and was an immeasurable help to the non-francophones in the audience.

17-03-2012 22:48

DCA Fan

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

My fav emcees: Mark (I may be biased since I tend to work regionals with him), Blair, Dave V
Fav play by play (AKA the people I most try to emulate): Blair, Dave Seibel (LA), Andy, Paul

18-03-2012 21:28

Libby K

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I think it takes time, as you said, to create that personality.

For me? Of course I love Blair, Karthik, and all the 'usuals'... but in the up and coming category...

"Angry Eric" Eckhardt - He's not angry at all... and he's new to FRC but not to FIRST. He has been emceeing (and double-duty announcing) for Clarkson's FLL and FTC Competitions for years!

Dan, from Montreal (I cannot for the life of me remember his last name). - He was full of energy and had to do the entire event bilingually! Oh, and he'd only attended one FRC event before. He and Blair share a pretty unique characteristic - acting. They're true performers, and it shows.

And, of course, to be that get-off-my-lawn-old-timey-FIRSTer ... Woodie. Of course.

18-03-2012 21:54

pfreivald

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Angry Eric is a great MC at the Ruckus and Rally -- that, and he has magical gnomes that live in his hair and magically fix your robot whenever he gets near it.

18-03-2012 22:27

Dancin103

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Of course! I miss Woodie MCing events. Haven't had him at an event we were at in a while. Gotta love Woodie!

18-03-2012 22:36

George A.

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

An up and comer to keep your eye on: Katie Stevens. She worked the Hatboro Horsham district, The Rutgers District, the NYC regional, and she still has 3 more competitions this year alone.

She is going to be one of the greats, mark my words.

18-03-2012 23:56

Debbie

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I would totally agree with this. Let's not forget the handstand introductions Dave does. And, Tom always keeps it exciting!

Also agree about the perfect storm being the BEST ever intro! How he ever remembered all of that amazed me! We are lucky to have the best in Michigan, though I have heard some other great ones at world's, I'm partial to my Michigan people.

19-03-2012 10:53

Libby K

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees her doing well.

I don't think it's fair for me to add her to my list, since she is a friend and 1923 teammate- but it's always been a dream of hers to be up there on the field, and I'm so glad it's happening. If you don't know Katie - she has absolutely limitless energy. Can't wait to see her keep going with this.

20-03-2012 08:29

Sonicsean

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Wow, you can really see the backboard tape in the background. lol

20-03-2012 09:19

CalTran

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Clearly a picture taken with flash <- Sunglasses in this case

20-03-2012 22:52

Zoughtbaj

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Granted, completely biased answers, but Blair is the absolute best MC. I love getting his entheusiasm here in the Northwest, and the Motorcycle enterance at Oregon this year was truly epic.

Again, baised, but...Aurgh, I can't remember his full name...last name Lamb, always does Portland and Seattle. Can anyone remember? He does all of our play by plays, and he has the best announcer's voice ever!

21-03-2012 11:40

Ben Martin

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Here are a few ex-student MC's who I thought did a very good job at BMR over the past few years:
-Ryan Dognaux
-Collin Fultz
-Matt Fultz

I also think that Samir Shaikh has done a fantastic job at CAGE Match for the past two years.

That being said, I have to agree with others that from all the competitions I have attended, Dave Verbrugge was the best MC.

21-03-2012 11:44

Madison

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Emerson

31-03-2012 19:48

plnyyanks

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I just want to say, that after going to CTR this year, that Angry Eric is an awesome emcee. He really did a great job, and made the whole weekend fun to watch. Plus, he liked our capes....

31-03-2012 21:52

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I think newcomer MC Mahoney (Kevin Mahoney, from Silicon Valley Regional) is getting pretty good. His knowledge of the teams helps make the matches interesting.

Plus, it's nice he's a 256 alum.

31-03-2012 21:56

ratdude747

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Agreed... BMR has been blessed with good MCs.

11-10-2012 09:16

Phoenix Spud

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

Dave Price. He's been doing it ever since I can remember in NH, (10+ years) and is incredibly good. He does FLL/FTC/FRC throughout NH (and I think Mass now as well...) and has a way of making every student feel valued and the star of the show. We were really lucky to have him come down to MC the Duel Down Under this year.

11-10-2012 09:27

CalTran

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

^Reported Alonso's for spam(?)

13-01-2013 11:06

Denise Bohnsack

Re: pic: Best Emcee Ever?

I have seen many high quality emcees at FIRST robotic events over the years, but rather than pick a favorite, I just want to thank them all because it takes a lot of time and energy to do this, and because their efforts make the events so much fun!!! It takes a brave soul to get in front of so many people and do those dances and cheers and to wear the crazy clothing but I am so glad that they do!

Very inspirational to me was to see kids from around the world (maybe 26 countries?) at the 2012 FLL Legoland Championship in Lakeland last year and the enthusiasm they had, no matter their language, for the dances and cheers. WOW! Very moving.

Special thanks here to Blair, as I know he is a pro at this as I have witnessed him do this for years (once I saw him in a green leprechaun suit in Kansas City on St. Patty's Day) because he is generous to share his knowledge and talent of this skill with upcoming emcees. Based on the fast growth of FTC, with more emcees needed for those events, important indeed. Could he, or does he, have an emcee workshop or video?

Thanks again to all emcees!