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The 2006 season was one for the record books, but Team 48 wouldn’t settle for a good season in 2007. No, we were determined to make our ten year anniversary the season team members would never forget.
The weekend of March 8 through March 10 showed to be a successful one for Warren G. Harding’s robotics team, Delphi E.L.I.T.E. Going from Warren, Ohio to Pittsburgh, Pa, Team 48 posed as a great threat, but above all, proved themselves a worthy opponent. Thursday’s practice rounds were found to be a low for the robot, seeing as the ramp had not yet been put on. One of our team drivers had difficulty controlling the ramp-less robot, sending it flying over the field only to land on its back. However, this “accident” wasn’t entirely his fault; the robot was far too light and traveled much too fast (which is not an easy feat to handle). After this dud round, the driver gathered his cool and got back into control. Things went much smoother thereafter.
Friday, which consisted of qualification rounds, where the teams would compete to get the best possible record in order to be one of the top eight teams. Although these were just the qualification rounds there was no lack of excitement and enthusiasm. Chants of “Delphi E.L.I.T.E.” could be heard throughout the stands, causing spirit and admiration directed at Team 48. We walked away with a 7-2 win-loss record at the end of the qualifying rounds. You can’t shake a stick at that score. Our success that day placed us at third out of thirty-six robots. However, the final two qualification matches on Saturday morning bumped us down to fourth place. This put us in the Saturday finals.
The team had to win two matches in the finals (winning best of three each round). We made it to the finals with teams 222 and 1038 as our chosen alliance. We faced teams 123, 247, and 337; three very tough but fair-playing teams. In the first round against this opposing alliance, the outcome was a score of 30 to 77. However, in the next match, we succeeded in winning 53 to 47. Still in the standing to take the regional, we entered the third match with the highest of hopes and holding our breath. As bad as we wanted to win this final match, we lost 4 to 51.
Taking second place at the Pittsburgh Regional, our team held our heads up like true champions. Not only did we walk away with a finalist trophy, but also recognition of our safety practices. Team 48 received the most “safety buttons”, but unfortunately, did not receive the highest safety award available. We even had one team member, Michelle Ward, recognized for her outstanding safety services escorting robots to and from their pit areas without traffic jams.
Delphi E.L.I.T.E. has done it again! They took second place in Pittsburgh, but far succeeded any expectations by taking first place at the Cleveland Regional (March 22-24) making us the Buckeye Champs. Team 48 paired up with teams 379 (Robocats) and 291 (CIA). Even though we were in the winning alliance, we were not the highest seeded team; that honor belonged to team 291. Team 48 was picked as a partner by 291 in the first round of alliance selection, and 379 in the second. This dream team dominated the field against teams 1038, 1126 and 1528. They gave us a run for our money with the two match scores coming to 76-64 and 76-53. Close but no cigar! We'd like to congratulate these three teams for making are FIRST experience a fun challenge and practicing gracious professionalism. Each team took second place like true champs. Mike Burkel from Team 1038, the Thunderhawks, said, "I wouldn't have any other team beat us but you."
Delphi E.L.I.T.E. is on a roll… Rack N' Roll that is. Again, Team 48 made its way to the top, but not quite all the way. We took third place at the 2007 Greater Toronto Regional. Team 48 would like to thank team 1835 for choosing us as their first round alliance partner. Other thanks go to team 379 for joining us once again in the finals. We really had an awesome team! The judges found that our team was keen on sportsmanship, ultimately leading to our winning of the Sportsmanship award. Also, we were in the top three for the Safety Award. Good job everyone. So now we're off to the Championship in Atlanta to hopefully follow up with some great plays and sweet alliances. Good luck to everyone and all teams. See ya there!!!
Once again Delphi E.L.I.T.E. proves to be a force to be reckoned with, a pushing force that is. Team 48 plowed their way through the qualification, quarter final, and semi final rounds. Teams 1732, The Hill Topers, 67, The Hot Team, and 48, Delphi E.L.I.T.E. fell short of moving on to the Championship field for the second year in a row. However, this alliance knew they had no reason to hang their heads. The Championship was a good ending to a fantastic season, and Team 48 looks forward to what challenge FIRST has in store for us next year.
