2 Train Robotics

What an amazing time at Philly! After getting to the semifinals at the New York Regional, 2 Train Robotics went all the way at the Philadelphia Regional, becoming 2009 Philadelphia Regional Champions.

The 2 Train started out its qualification matches strongly with two wins and a tie going up against 1923, who is being coached by an old 2 Train mentor, Wayne Penn. We lost our fourth qualification match and won our fifth when we were partnered up with 1923. Then came another loss and some damage to our lower belt system. After some quick repairs, our luck turned: a win with Miss Daisy (Team 341), a win against MOE (Team 365), and a win on our final qualification match. Ranked #10 with a record of 6-2-1 at the end of qualifications, we were anticipating being picked to be on an alliance by the top 8 in the eliminations.

During alliance selection, we became captain of Alliance 6 after a few of the original alliance captains were picked by the other captains. 2 Train chose MOE (Team 365, 2008 Philadelphia Regional Champions) and Robbe Xtreme (Team 56, 2009 New York Regional Champions) as alliance partners. In the quarterfinals, we beat Alliance 3, winning both matches. In the semifinals, we defeated Alliance 2 with two wins and a loss (due to a 10-point penalty). In the finals, we beat Alliance 1, comprised of the top 2 seeded teams (103, 1153) and 708, in two intense matches.

None of the teams on the winning alliance were ranked in the top 8: 2 Train ranked 10th, Robbe Xtreme 25th, and MOE 33rd at the end of qualifications. Our superior teamwork brought us to victory against mighty opponents such as 103, 1153, 816, and 1923, just to name a few.

Thanks to all the students for scouting, dancing, and manning the pit area! Special thanks also go to mentors, teachers, and sponsors. This was a well-deserved win; our previous regional wins were in Pittsburgh and NYC in 2006.

We now have four weeks to prepare for the FRC Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, which will be held April 16-18 at the Georgia Dome.

The end of long nights, hard work, dedication, and lots of pizza is coming to a close. The 2009 build season is closing down, and out robot is looking sweet and sexy, and ready to perform the 2 Train way.

This year, we are reaching our 10th year as a team. We all have worked extremely hard this season and should be proud of ourselves as individuals and as a team.
This year, we have gained new members, seen returning members who have lent a helping hand, and exsiting members who have come back stronger then ever.

A special thanks to Gary Israel and Bob who have been with the team from the beginning and have shown tremendous dedication and support. 2 Train loves you guys!

So, here we go 2 Train! Four more days until the robot is shipped and the games begin!

Welcome to all the new members of team 2 Train - students and mentors alike. We’re excited to start the new school year and prepare for an amazing upcoming FIRST season. The website will be updated very soon so please check the posts.

This Friday (September 26, 2008), the mentors at Columbia will be holding a series of fun workshops for students from Morris Academy to participate in including “Drilling/Soldering 101″, “Photoshop”, and “Driving the Robot”. The workshops will be held on Columbia’s campus in Mudd Rm. 294 starting at 5pm. Come! Learn! And break things! (safely…)