Virginia Regional Wrap-Up and Off-season Ideas

After two long, non-stop days at the Virginia Regional, Team 422 ended the season with a 21-10-4 record, a finalist berth at the SunCenter in New Jersey and a semifinalist berth at the Siegel Center in New Jersey. Who would have thought that a team could build a top-tier robot in 12 days? We had a difficult time believing our own success in New Jersey, but finishing 7-1-1 after qualifying in VCU and losing in the semifinals after playing an intense 5 matches, we proved that our success was not a fluke and we were one of the best 120 robots we competed against.

"Ahab" (I guess we're calling the robot Ahab now) was a testament to the experience and determination the team earned over last season, and will hopefully grow into a regional-winning robot for the 2011 competition season. Nothing would be cooler for a team that went from zeros to heroes in such a short time than to book our trip to St. Louis a year early.

Thanks to everyone that came out to watch one of the longest and most grueling regionals in years, and congrats to the Engin3rds, Lambda Corps, Robohawks, Pascack, Blue Cheese, and Vae Victus on a great finals series. 697, 346 and 1895 definitely had the sauce to give the #1 alliance a run for their money, but it was clear 1676 brought the best bot back from Trenton. (we're a close second, right?)

Now team, we need to hit the ground running in the offseason. Wil T. and I (Wil P.) will try to make a conscientious effort to building a great online home at Team422.com while we intermittently post here. We also need to push for more sponsors. As much as we appreciate the generosity form New Market Corporation, the team needs to take on more sponsors, from Johnson & Johnson and BAE Systems, to Verizon and Motorola, to the tech store in your neighborhood. I believe the team could transcend the success experienced over the last two years to fit a mold more like 1676, if we only added a little more initiative. It looks like the lab will finally be cleaned and organized to, as we dismantle Phoenix Rising, Phoenix Pi, and Phoenix Phenomenon/Quattro. We're also thinking of ways to "immortalize" Dante and rebuild Redemption/Mephistopheles to 100% usage and keep Ahab intact for Duel in October.

Roy will likely be sending out some emails in the coming days and weeks, and with the school winding down after a hectic few weeks, it will be great if we could have substantial attendance at meetings.