Changes

So there has been a team realignment... but I'll get to that later. First I want to thank everybody who came together to help us with Project 3. All of our sponsors for the ample donations and discounts, and just as importantly all of the volunteers who came out and made our day with the students everything it could be. Without all of you we would not have been able to put together such an exciting event. I don't want to try and list everyone here for fear of missing somebody, but you know who you are, and know that your efforts are greatly appreciated.

There is very little, if anything, I would change in our approach and execution of this project. I feel that we put together a good plan that encompassed all of the criteria we were asked to cover, as well as making it exciting and age appropriate for the students we were working with. And I would like to especially thank Erin and everybody with the Colorado "I Have a Dream" Foundation and all of the dreamers. Every volunteer we had made a point to tell me that these were the best behaved sixth graders they had ever seen. That being said, I also want to congratulate the 5280 Closers for pulling out another victory.

Almost immediately following the conclusion of project 3 I flew out to beautiful Las Vegas to participate in the 2008 World Championships of Air Hockey. Here is the trailer for the event.

I may not have made it into the trailer, but I had a much better finish then I had anticipated with the amount of practice I have put forth as of late. As strange as it may sound, I was forced to play a smarter game due to my level of play, and may have learned more because of it. In the end I finished 13th in the world, and was able to win my bracket (13-16). I would like to thank USAA president Michael Rosen, and the rest of the tournament staff for putting together such an excellent event. I also want to thank the Riviera hotel and casino for hosting the event, and providing us with great deals on rooms, and the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel for not taking all of my money this year, instead giving it back and showing me an amazing time. For complete results check out: http://www.airhockeyworld.com/tourneyresults.asp?tourneypk=186.

And finally, the team realignment. After all the build up and anticipation, we entirely redrew our teams, and ended up in virtually the same teams we had before. As it turns out, only Ben and Giedre swapped. Ben, I had a lot of fun working with you and getting to know you, and I wish you luck and happiness in all of your future endeavors. Well, maybe not all the luck in this upcoming project, just kidding ;-) Giedre, I am very excited and look forward to working with you on this project. We will be performing an Eco-Audit for Kate's at 35th. I'm very excited about all of the upcoming madness surround me, and as always extremely busy.

By the way Noah, I saw the bunny pictures... we had a suspicion you were employing highly trained squirrels, Kaleigh has even claimed to see one. But I didn't know you had taken it so far. How did you train them to operate a camera without opposable thumbs??? I must say though, as impressive as your squirrel training is, your CG skills need some work:-) Keep checking back, and maybe I'll show you what I mean.... And with that I must get back to work.

Too long

Yes, yes I know, it has been far too long since last I blogged. I've been feverishly attempting to finish up the 8 week course I accidentally took this semester. But alas it is complete, so time to continue blogging.

First off, although project 2 did not end quite the way I had hoped, I feel we did everything we could to help El Centro. I want to thank Harold from El Centro for supporting us in everything we did. I would also like to thank Willie B and Uncle Nasty from KBPI for giving us air time to try increase our tool drive; all of the students who took the time to stop by and talk to us or to donate what they had; the people at Home Depot for all of their help, and dealing with us picking out tools right before they closed; and to everybody at the Alumni Office for all of their continuing support.

I would also like to congratulate the 5280 Closers on their second victory. From what I've seen and heard, you guys put a ton of work into this project. Good luck on project 3, don't think you've got this thing figured out, we still have a few tricks up our sleeves.

And on to the 3rd project. We are currently working with the Colorado "I have a dream" Foundation to create a one day camp for a class of middle schools students over spring break. We had the opportunity to spend some time with this kids the other day, and I am really looking forward to putting on this camp. Also, the class will be taking on the other team's class in a basketball game next Wednesday, so I would like to wish them luck.

Last but certainly not least, I wasn't going to do this, but ever since Noah said he was a 7th level gnome, I've been trying to picture it. So I don't mean to beat a dead horse but... I just really wanted to see Noah as a gnome. Until next time...

Project 2

Well Noah, A picture is worth a thousand words, right?
And what makes you think I would make your team look like spider monkeys? Or any other member of the animal kingdom?
But seriously good luck to everyone in Project 2, I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Blogging

It appears I'm not the only one who has never blogged before, so here it goes. First off, I want to congratulate the 5280 Closers for a job well done. You guys came out strong and set the bar for the rest of the competition. But don't get to comfortable, there is plenty of competition left:)

Also, I want to thank Oscar and everyone at Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe. Please check out there website at: http://www.rosalindasmexicancafe.com/ , and definitely check out the restaurant, the food was exceptional.

And last, but defiantly not least, I want to thank everyone with the Alumni Association, they have been nothing but helpful throughout this competition.

Check out our team website for all of the latest information: http://clem.mscd.edu/~cwilcox9/

My Bio

Chris Wilcox

Name: Christopher, but I go by Chris

Hometown: Devils Lake, North Dakota

Major: Computer Information Systems

Favorite class: Database Management Systems

Background:
I was born in Devils Lake, N.D. Shortly after my birth, my family and I moved to Fargo. I enjoyed growing up in Fargo, even with the brutally cold winters and hot, insect-filled summers. The summer after I completed fifth grade, my family and I moved to the Denver area, where I have lived ever since. I still travel back to North Dakota as frequently as I can to visit family—most still live in the area. My first real job was at an arcade called Sega City. While working there I was introduced to the sport of air hockey. Starting in 2002, I began competing in national and world-level air hockey tournaments. I have since achieved a world ranking of 16th. I graduated from Highlands Ranch High School in 1999 and then proceeded on to the University of Colorado at Boulder. I temporarily left school to pursue other career possibilities after a couple years. A few years later I decided to continue my education here, at Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Favorite quote:
“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”
– Henry David Thoreau

Why I’m excited about being part of “The Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State”:
The Apprentice Challenge consists of many exciting facets. One is the challenge itself. New challenges always carry excitement. Another is the timing. Since we are the first to participate in this program, I am looking forward to setting a very high bar for future participants.

Why I should win “The Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State”:
I feel that the person who works hardest and performs the best under the pressures that this competition will entail deserves to win, and I fully intend on being that person.