FRC Team 1816 “The Green Machine” just returned from the World Championship, Houston, only a few days ago, and once the robot was unloaded from the trailer, it was time to start preparations for the MSHSL State Robotics Tournament and the summer break (also known as the off-season). At Champs, our robot (nicknamed) Zero performed well, ending in eighth in the Newton Division at the end of the first day. Each division had about 75 to 77 robots each, so it’s like an oversized regional competition. We did have a few technical difficulties on day two of qualifying matches and we ended up not getting picked to be on an eliminations alliance. But despite this disappointment, we had so much fun competing and hanging out together as a team. We also had fun during the Einstein rounds cheering on other Minnesota teams, including FRC 4607-C.I.S., Becker, and FRC 3184-Blaze, Burnsville. Each and every team member did their part to make the competition a success from people working more personally within “The Green Machine” like our amazing drive team and scouters to those volunteering to help the event run smoother for everyone. Please take a look at our photo gallery of some of the fun activities from Champs!
In this last week before State, which takes place on Saturday May 6 at Williams Arena, Minneapolis, we are running drills to increase pit crew repairs between matches as well as some more drivers’ practice to ensure clear focus and readiness to compete at this event. We are going into State with a confident mindset but also with a bittersweet feeling as this will be the last competition with the soon to graduate seniors on our team. Many of the seniors have begun to act more like peer mentors on the team- stepping back to prepare those who will remain on the team for the upcoming years to take over. All this being said, we are all thrilled to be going back to State this year ready to compete once again for the title of State Champion, and are ready to take on this competition as a team. – Nora B.