A long journey

This season is my fourth year of coaching ACME Robotics, and I couldn’t be prouder of this amazing group of kids. Last season, we made our first journey to the FTC Western Regionals and we learned a lot about this level of competition and the commitment that it takes throughout the season to make it this far into the season.

Start with the goal in mind

This season, we started with a brainstorming session and a 24 hour build weekend. After 3 seasons of FTC competition, we wanted to get started as early as possible to build our robot. Our goal this season was to return to the Western Regionals and then to make it through the Western Regionals to the FIRST World Championships in Houston this year.

I was especially committed to this goal, because we have two seniors graduating this year who founded the team four years ago. Ryan Brott and Kellen Bodine are in their last year as FIRST competitors. It’s been lot’s of long hours over the last four season building and rebuilding and debugging autonomous. I wanted to see Ryan and Kellen experience the WORLDs before they graduate.

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A Strong Future

The other aspect of the team that I am especially excited about is the future that we have. I was worried a couple of years ago that the team might fade after Ryan and Kellen’s departure, but alas, I am not worried about that any more.

First of all, we’ve been blessed to recruit two other wonderful and talented coach/mentors in the form of Michael and Stephanie Lewis. Not only are Michael and Stephanie passionate about FIRST, but they are also well connected in the community and they have been key to our outreach efforts to the local high tech sponsors who’ve become our rock and foundation.

Secondly, we’ve also recruited a strong contingent of newer members who have jumped in 100% to the FIRST experience and the success of ACME Robotics. As any coach would attest, you need to get the best from your experienced players while nurturing your bench to become strong contributors over time. We’ve built a team structure that encourages the experienced team members to supervise the newer members as they learn the skills to succeed.

Thirdly. It takes a village to run a FIRST team. We’re all volunteers, and the families of the kids have all contributed in so many ways. From helping with chaperoning meetings to rolling up their sleeves and helping to construct work benches, practice fields and other infrastructure to help the team. We always have a team dinner at the overnight tournaments and I am happy to see everyone get along so awesomely. I have to shout out to Alicia Brott, who’s been there since day 1 and just makes things happen. She’s the ultimate team mom. Alicia’s kids have played a lot of sports over the year, but as she says “FIRST Robotics is now my favorite sport”.

Oh, and we always appreciate those girl scout cookie donations. (Thanks Clover! You rock)

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A Community Team

Lastly, I am extremely encouraged by the response of the local business community and individual community members (many retired from high tech or business) who’ve become our biggest cheerleaders. You can find a complete listing of our sponsor on the ACME Sponsor Page. But needless to say, we’re so thankful to everyone who’s contributed to support the team over the years. I hope that you feel that you’re getting the return you expected for your gracious donation.

FIRST is a wonderful program. We’re training kids to be future leaders, and they get to experience what it’s like to be on a product team with all of the expectations and time pressures that come with it. Limited time, limited budget and competitors ready to take your market share. The future is in good hands.