What a weekend. We’ve just returned from our first ever FIRST competition, the 2010 Colorado Regional. It is difficult to describe in words just what it was like. From the moment we first arrived, we were faced with incredible challenges that tested our skills and our resolve, and taught us important lessons. When the robot breaks in one match, and you have only fifteen minutes to diagnose and fix the problem before your next match, the amount of pressure you work under is immense. The non-stop atmosphere in our pit was one of eight students constantly running about a 10 foot by 10 foot space searching for tools, tightening bolts, fabricating parts, wiring electronics, and establishing relations with other teams. FIRST truly pushed us all to the limits, and I don’t think any of us will look at the world of mechanics, engineering, and electronics the same way again.
In the end, we finished 41st… out of 41 teams that made it. Yes, dead last. Over the course of a single day, $1500 in electronics failed. Despite this overwhelming challenge and and our great lack of experience being a rookie team, we persevered, putting every ounce of our effort towards staying in the tournament. We worked harder than just about any other team at the competition, and for this incredible show of determination, we were awarded the Rookie Inspiration Award. Congratulations to all who worked so hard those three days. In its final match, our robot scored a goal in autonomous mode, a feat only accomplished by the best of teams, symbolising that we had finally reached the end of an incredible journey from which we learned so much.
We also received some invaluable help from some of the other teams at the tournament including our friends over at West Grand High School (team 1789), team 1332 who loaned us an important part in our darkest hour, and to ex-MPHS student Caleb Fisher of team 1158 who provided us with great inspiration and gave us his regional championship finalist medal in hope that it will inspire future generations of Middle Park students. Thank you very much. Lastly I want to say that we really appreciate the time and effort put in by our mentors Mr Trombley and Mr Coleman, as well as Mr Bulpitt and Mr Olivio. Also, we can’t forget Mr Penrose who graciously provided us with the woods and metals shops, help fabricating parts, and loaned us with tools we couldn’t have lived without.
So without further ado, here are your slept-next-door-to-the-2010-Colorado-state-champions (:P) Middle Park High School Robotomy!
-Alexander Patton, Team President
2010 Colorado Regional Match 20
We score a goal, but one of our motor controllers melts down shortly after, leaving our robot stranded in front of the tunnel and a toxic smoke coming from inside…
2010 Colorado Regional Match 61
We finally score in autonomous mode. WOOT!
