Team Shirt. Team Cat

We just completed our last team practice before tomorrow's qualifying FIRST Lego League tournament at Catlin Gable School. The kids made a lot of great progress, so much so that I decided on the "spur of the moment" to award them with a team shirt. Although the shirt might be a little big now (for all except Nolan), they'll be sure to grow in to them in the years ahead -- you see the symbolism there? We'll wear them tomorrow as a source of team pride!

See everyone bright and early tomorrow. Go team!

Jasper shows good Core Values by SHARING Shasta the cat with his teammates.

CARPOOL: I will be leaving my house at 8am to drive to the competition site. If you wish to catch a ride with me, please let me know.

TIME: We will try to check-in together as a team. If your boy is not riding with me, then please meet me at the Catlin Gable middle school (8825 SW Barnes Rd, Portland—just before you get to St. Vincent’s hospital) by 8:15am. After check-in, we’ll be able to find our pit area and start setting up.

WHAT TO BRING: Team t-shirts, snacks, lunch, cameras.

WHAT TO EXPECT: see the information below for both Spectators (e.g. you), and Team (e.g. your son).

8:35am – Coaches meeting

9:00am – Opening Ceremony

9:43am(10 minutes) – Robot Design Judging

10:18am(4 minutes) – Robot Run #1

11:00am(10 minutes) – Core Values Judging

11:37am(4 minutes) – Robot Run #2

1:07pm(10 minutes) – Project Judging

1:36pm(4 minutes) – Robot Run #3

3:00pm(approx.) – Closing/Awards Ceremony

TODAY: We will hold our last team practice this afternoon and will do a “run through” of our various presentations. I will also assign leadership roles for the various tasks we will need to accomplish throughout the tournament.

STAY FOCUSED BUT HAVE FUN: The kids will be running the show tomorrow. During downtime between the various events and presentations, they will have a chance to visit with other teams and get programming, building, and presentation advice from the more experienced ones. I want to the kids to feel satisfied with their performance, bond as a team, and be excited to compete together next year.

I hope you’ll be there tomorrow to help cheer on the team. It has been fun coaching your sons and seeing them learn and have fun together.