Much has happened - here's a recap.
We finished the robot (sort of), competed in Orlando (sort of), and came limping home. I won't dwell on our performance in Central Florida but suffice it to say we had our issues.
Not to be deterred, everyone went to work and got ready for our hometown competition the weekend of 3/29 & 3/30. With an improved machine and renewed spirit, we held our own and managed to get picked by the first seeded alliance. As a result, we are on our way to St. Louis as winners of the South Florida Regional.
Needless to say it's been a hectic 3 weeks since. The team is working long hours to make Sonny (more on that later) even better, planning for the trip is a full time job, and raising additional $$ to help offset costs is ongoing. BTW, if you would like to contribute to the cause, please contact me. No amount is too small.
As you can see above, I referred to the robot as "Sonny". It is with great sadness that I must report that Salvatore "Sonny" Fazio, founder of our sponsor Sonny's Enterprises, Inc. lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday of this past week. I can't put into words what he and the team at Sonny's has meant to us. But beyond that, he was unselfish, giving, caring and just a great guy. Please click here to read a short memorial about Mr. Fazio. In his honor, we will name the robot "Sonny".
We fly out Wednesday, 4/24 for St. Louis with 15 students and 3 chaperones. It will be a busy 4 days, but that's all that's left.
Here's a link to the Championship website. If you scroll down and click on "Watch Live" it will take you to the webcast page. You will be able to click on one of the FRC field icons when they are live. At that point the field names will change to "Newton" (our field), Curie, Archimedes, and Galileo.
That's it for now. Have to get back to planning for the trip. Will write more soon.
Enjoy the pics.
South Florida Regional Champions
Sonny ready for action
the Pit Crew
The Spirit is Alive!
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