Southern Success - 2004 FIRST Robotics Championships
Written by Samantha Lipscomb on April 13, 2004
It?s seven o?clock in the morning, and the bus is packed with energetic, excited students, teachers, and engineers. If anyone is tired because of the early trip, it certainly doesn?t show ? who could sleep when the Gaelhawks are going to Nationals?
All of Team 230?s hard work and regional success have led up to this ? the 2004 FIRST Robotics Championship Competition, held in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.All of the time and effort that each of the members put into the team this year paid off, and it was this group of dedicated members that left Shelton High School early on the morning of April 14, 2004. After one bus ride, one plane flight, and several encounters with Atlanta?s underground, the Gaelhawks settled into the hotel, not far from the site of the competition. That night was to be the fun night before the busy days of competition began. The team had made reservations at the Hardrock Caf� for dinner, where we could eat amidst famous memorabilia. The waiters and waitresses were enthusiastic and fun, allowing everyone to get caught up in the excitement of finally being where they had worked all year to be.
Wake up calls were early on April 15, and everyone was eager to get to the Georgia Dome to watch the practice rounds. After a complimentary breakfast and a walk through Centennial Park, the team gathered in the stands in front of the Galileo field. Robots were already up and working, ready to go for the next day?s matches. The Gaelhawks made it through a long day of preliminary scouting, finally relaxing in the many stores of Atlanta?s Underground mall.
Friday was what counted. Matches started bright and early after opening ceremonies, and the competition grew tough as each team fought to gain more points than anyone else. Team 230 was ready to compete, winning two out of five matches. Members of the team were kept busy all day, between scouting, cheering, driving, operating, filming, eating, and playing Ultimate Frisbee. The day ended with the team feeling confident, hoping to be picked in the alliance pairings the next day.
It all came down to Saturday?s matches, and the Gaelhawks were ready to go. The last three matches came and went, leaving the team with a record of 3-4-0. Sadly, Team 230 wasn?t picked for an alliance, but was still able to stay and cheer on the competing teams. Amid cheers of ?Gali!...Leo!? the winning alliance for the Galileo field was chosen ? teams 1218, CHASS; 469, Las Guerrillas; and 868, the TechHounds. The final matches were played on the central Einstein field, with the champions from each field ? Galileo, Archimedes, Newton, and Curie ? competing for the national title. The first four matches brought the group down to two alliances ? one from Archimedes, the other from Galileo. Cheers from our side of the stadium were louder than ever, hoping to be able to say that the winning alliance was from our division. After two more matches, the results were in ? the 2004 FIRST Robotics Champions were teams from the Archimedes division: 71, Team Hammond; 494, the Martians; and 435, the RoboDogs. The Gaelhawks extend their congratulations to all competing and winning teams!
The excitement wasn?t over, however ? Team 230 still had a chance to win the Autodesk Visualization and Engineering Inspiration awards. With bated breath, the team watched the awards ceremony, but was disappointed to receive no awards. The determination is strong for next year though, and everyone?s sights are set on a National Championship title! A wrap party held in Centennial Park was the perfect way to end such a fun weekend, with a multitude of games and food available. The same hypnotist that had entertained the team at the UTC New England Regional was back and performing for all of the teams. After a weekend of running around, the party was a good way to bring the competition to a close!
Now that this year?s competition season is over, the Gaelhawks would like to thank everyone who made it possible for us to have such a successful year! 2004 will be forever known as the year to remember by Team 230!
