Team 987 would like to thank San Diego for another fantastic regional! We had a great time on and off the field, in and out of the event and would say the same even without the way things turned out. Special thanks to our alliance partners on 254 and 1138 for showing people that two fast shooting floor pick up bots and a robot with a 5 minute fabricated pool noodle blocker can put up an awful lot of disks in a short time and neutralize a fantastic full court shooter. We knew the Poofs would pull it all together when it counted most and that the Eagles would be able to contribute more than their rank suggested. And kudos for all of our opponents, especially 2984, 2485 (and 4322 who easily could have been a first pick) and who managed to put up 114 and 154 points and push us to the limit in the two very tough final matches we played.
987 was polite and gracious, bringing with them a glowing testament to their fantastic program: that robot’s turret was unique and deadly in execution, and their pickup was so simple looking that I was searching for pixie dust around it! They are a fantastic team, and hopefully they get the championship medals to demonstrate that to the world once more… I sure couldn’t have asked for a more excellent opponent in the SDR semifinals.
I have to say after being a part of the Inland Empire Regional planning committee this year, I have a new respect for the volunteers who make these events happen.
They are usually way behind the scene when the event occurs but they have spent several months of hard work to make it happen.
If you ever meet a planning committee member, shake their hand and tell them thank you. Then find a way to become part of a planning committee as a volunteer.
On practice day we stumbled into the opportunity to be part of the San Diego news coverage while we were doing camera calibration:
I was able to take a picture of the process…I’m calling it “How to make a defensive robot in 5 minutes.” All you need is ducktape, foam noodles and a few dowels.
Great job guys!
Just make sure you are re-inspected, or your alliance may receive a red card.
We were very clear that after what happened to 973 and company we wanted the LRI to inspect 1138 after the changes were made, despite the random inspector I happened to find first saying he could do it.
Don’t just get reinspected; get reinspected by the LRI and make a big deal out of it.
Merely getting reinspected may later be deemed a DQ 
So not only is EJ one of the best strategy coaches I’ve experienced, he’s also a certified Pool Noodle Defense System installer 
It was great playing against you guys! Those pool noodles were awful, though they totally shut down the warlords’ full court shots. I want a rematch! Vegas, here we come…
The pool noodles belonged to 987 who had the foresight to be ready for this very situation and actually took part in the assembly…it was a great collaborative effort that resulted in an a very cost effective defense. And no, the phallic appearance was not planned!
Hehe I know there are three different team shirts in that photo 
This is truly an example of an awesome alliance innovating on their feet. I just couldn’t help mentioning it since he’s probably the only one with his visage on an ironic Facebook fan page.
… And the best thing (for them - or worst for us) was that the thing worked like a charm! With good defensive driving from 1138, we didn’t have enough time to get in the full-court shots we would have needed to win.
Mind you, we were close - we would have only need another um… 40 3-pointer shots to beat their score of 204!
Congratulations to an awesome alliance and thanks to everyone who made San Diego once again a fantastic event!
- Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox
Haha thanks! I just want to throw this out there so that the pool noodles don’t get all the credit…1138 was good defense before the noodles- that’s why we picked them
+1
I’ll “3rd” this. 987’s scouts did an awesome job picking a team with a great drivers who were able to keep their cool despite having an entire side of their drive train busted beyond repair.