Posted by Dave Carter.
Student on team #131, C.H.A.O.S., from Manchester Central High School and OSRAM Sylvania and Fleet Bank.
Posted on 4/10/2000 6:21 PM MST
After this weekend’s nationals, all I can say is, I’m speechless. This, being my final year with Team 131 C.H.A.O.S. has been the sweetest one to date. First, a New England Regional Championship last week, then a 2nd place finish in the National Championship.
However, no great accomplishment can occur without numerous fantastic people helping out along the ride. Hence, a long list of thanks is in order, starting at the top.
Thank you to the following:
Mr. David Kelso: Without you, there is no Team 131 or anyone to control the chaos we’ve been known to cause.
Jon Kobel: Superman of the mechanical world, without him, our goose would have been cooked long ago.
Jean Roy/ Eric Murray/ Roxanne Evans: Without Jean’s expertise in welding and construction, our machine would have never been nearly as solid as needed to be. Eric stepped into the main electrical role with 3 days left before shipping, then proceeded to do an outstanding job fixing our robot numerous times so we could make it to the field. Without Rocky, we had no design. Without a design there is no robot.
Team 126 Nypro/Clinton High School: Thank You for taking the chance no one else in Orlando seemed willing to take. Every year your team is the class of New England and the United States. Your enthusiasm was outstanding, your scouts extremely knowledgable, and the driving outstanding. Without 126, I wouldn’t be writing this long winded essay of appreciation.
Team 237 Sun-Seekers: ‘New England Regional Champions’… Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? These number 2 seed warriors were the first to take the chance on the then 9th seed C.H.A.O.S. machine. You guys were unbelievable and without you, nothing in New England would have been possible. Huge thanks to your fans for your unbelievable display of enthusiasm during our run through the playoffs. During the nationals, you guys would have given the shirts off your back to us. In a tremendous display of professionalism, your squad came out to cheer for us during the final rounds in Orlando. Being one of the spiritual leaders of 131, all the noise you guys made was extremely appreciated. To Nick, Gary, and the rest of your crew: THANK YOU.
Team 102: You made the noise, you helped us during repairs, you did it all. It was an unbelievable ride through the nationals and a true pleasure sharing it with you. I hope to see each and everyone of you at the summer invitational events.
Team 209: The same said to the Sun-Seekers can be said for your team. Without your mechanical help in between matches at UTC, we would have never made it out there. Thank you for your tools, your cheering, and your support.
Team 157 Aztech: We’ve had some battles, haven’t we? 157 is the only team I can honestly say I’ve feared, respect, and admired all at the same time. There isn’t a team out there that’s kept 131 more alert than the Aztechs. Donating our alliance your fresh batteries after the semi-finals was greatly appreciated and a true showing of gracious professional. Thanks to Mike, the driving team, and all the rest for making the last two years fun and very interesting.
Team 42 P.A.R.T.S. (especially Andy ‘Scratch’ Grady):
I knew the second we drafted you at Rumble At the Rock 99’ that we made not only an alliance pick, but some great friends. Your team has support us every single step of the way this year. I can honestly say your team may have more energy than I do. All the cheering you guys did at both New England and the nationals gave us the momentum needed for all those playoff matches. As for Scratch, your scouting expertise and support was unmatched. You’re a great friend and honorary member of C.H.A.O.S. There is one more C.H.A.O.S. shirt left and it has your name on it.You guys were very much apart of both our runs, thank you.
Andy Baker of Team 45: I loved your machine. Each and every member of the Technokats were great people and extremely friendly. Meeting you was a true pleasure and I can only hope we meet again. And in response to your question, YES PROFESSIONAL SPORTS WILL RETURN TO BOSTON… NOOOOOO-MAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! (Go Sox.)
Team 177 Bobcat Robotics: To Kirsten and the rest of the gang, thanks for the cheering during the competitions and chillin’ with us after the competitions. It has been awesome, I wish you all luck with your future endeavors.
Special thanks to our drivers, coaches, scouts, parents, and everyone else who I may have missed… including Nickelodien, it was a pleasure giving you guys interviews.
Wow, what a way for this senior to go out. I hope I can return to this great competition very soon in some capacity. Thank you all.
— Sincerely
Dave Carter, Human Player on Team 131
(I was the one wearing the number 8 Celtics jersey, w/the orange hat in Hartford and the red bandana in Orlando.)
I can be reached on AIM screename: BujinkinOi