Edina Robotics FIRST Team 1816- The Green Machine wrapped up its first appearance at a 2009 FIRST Lunacy competition, finishing in the quarterfinals at the Wisconsin Regional March 12 – 14. The team also earned the “Best Website Award,” presented to the attending team with the most impressive website.

After three days of intense competition, the team finished with a respectable 6-4 record. Although it was a slow start on the first day of matches, losing the first two rounds, the team won the next four games, including two matches against two of the eventual champions, to finish at 4-2 on Friday evening. The team continued its strong showing Saturday morning, winning the final two matches to finish 6-2 and in 11th place (out of 53 teams total). However, the team moved up into the top 8 teams after two selected each other for their alliances. The Green Machine got to select its own alliance, and chose Team 1103-Delavan, WI, and Team 2202-Brookfield, WI, for the elimination rounds.

Although our alliance lost in the quarterfinals, it was a loss to the eventual Wisconsin Regional winners. Plus, the chance to compete into the elimination rounds proved to be a valuable experience. It gave us much-needed feedback on game strategy, a chance to troubleshoot problems with our robot, “Zeus,” and a good opportunity for our human players to practice their “moon rock” throwing skills.

The Green Machine now looks forward to competing at the FIRST Minnesota North Star Regional, April 2 – 4 at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus. Be sure to come and watch!