EPIC just scored 90 points autonomously! Huge accomplishment! The drivers are so excited. From left, Summer Bronson, Erin Scott and Jaryn Newman. Photo by Pamela Scott
The crew is able to fix minor bugs between competitions, from left, Jaryn Newman, Aidan Henson, Adam Scott, Erin Scott, Taz Smith, EPIC and Brad Cooke. Photo by Pamela Scott
On the 21st of February, the Hawks FTC Team participated in the Arizona Regional Championships. Our performance was exemplary, and we can proudly state that of the six competitions we’ve attended as a team, the Hawks have reached the final stages five times.
This is significant because many teams never achieve it once. At this competition, we finished in third place out of 31 teams! One can say, the Hawks can truly soar to the high points and stay up, save for one dive.
Being at the Arizona regional championships was a huge accomplishment in itself, and although we did not qualify to go to Oakland, Calif., to compete in the Super Regionals, our team is now recognized for having a consistent, precise autonomous, having consistent scoring for the hardest and highest goal, and exceeding expectations of judges and competitors. We consistently won matches to teams who were far more experienced than us.
The Hawks have done a superb job in our first two years, and we will continue to do so in years to come because of the bonds of friendship we have formed and the willingness we have to take on a complex challenge, not to mention the amazing mentorship we have. These successes would not be possible without the FIRST Tech Challenge. FTC enhances the learning experience by creating a diverse challenge for a team of young people, and the challenge varies year to year.
The Hawk’s FTC Team season of competition may be over, however, we will be taking EPIC out around town. Look for us at The Next Big Idea, Robotics Night at the Bradbury Science Museum, Northern New Mexico RoboRave Rally, our Spaghetti Dinner and wherever Robotics are allowed. Our team is happy to show off EPIC and talk about FTC to anybody who is interested. Contact us for more information at HawksFTC7813@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support Los Alamos and all of our sponsors! You have been successful in helping us be successful! Our sponsors are, Los Alamos National Bank, ASME, Time Out Pizza, USA Tae Kwon Do Masters Association, Stratasys, Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, Los Alamos Public Schools, CB FOX (of course), A&A Anchor Storage, The United Church, RadioShack, MCAD, and, of course, you! Thank you for supporting our team by reading our article!
EPIC (Energized Perfectly Imagines Cyberbot). Photo by Pamela Scott
After every competition the Pit Crew changes batteries, tighten screws and makes sure no wires on the robot are snagged and make sure EPIC is ready for the field. From left, Homer Danielson, Taz Smith and Adam Scott. Photo by Pamela Scott
EPIC is dropping the third of five balls into the high goal for which teams receive up to 162 points for this event. Photo by Pamela Scott
The team waits to present EPIC to the judges and talk about how they got to the competition. From left, EPIC, Jaryn Newman, Aidan Henson, Adam Scott, Erin Scott, Jessica Cooke, Summer Bronson (hiding), Taz Smith, Joseph Thompson and Homer Danielson. (We look a little nervous.) Photo by Pamela Scott