The Green Machine was front-page news of the Edina Sun-Current weekly newspaper immediately following Team 1816’s win of the Regional Chairman’s Award at the inaugural FIRST Minnesota Robotics competition at the University of Minnesota March 27-29. Drawing in readers was a sizable picture of team drivers Andrew P., Remington G. and Alistair M., to a story that overviewed the FIRST concept of inspiration and recognition of science and technology. It also announced that the team was indeed heading to the Championships in Atlanta April 17-19, 2008.
A mad scramble has ensued to ensure that everything will be ready for the Championship. Travel arrangements were made – even though it was spring break immediately following the Minnesota Regional — with team members contacted by phone, email, text and even knocking on doors to see who could go. With thanks to Northwest Airlines group reservations, flights were booked and rebooked; hotel reservations secured; directions and maps printed, and meal possibilities sorted out. Team members also were busy scouting the competition that awaits us in the Galileo division. Andrew P., team scouting director, started organizing online scouting of other teams as soon as the championship divisions were announced. The Chairman’s Award subteam, fresh from their Minnesota triumph, started revving up for their next challenge: competing for the title of Championship Chairman’s Award. We expect they’ll be practicing on the plane, on the MARTA, and maybe in their sleep, all in preparation for the high level of sport and competition in Atlanta.