Article from WWHS Newsletter March 28 2016
FIRST Robotics Competition – Wee Waa Bush Bots 6050
The Wee Waa Bush Bots have exceeded all expectation in their first appearance in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Regionals at Sydney Olympic Park. Competing against international teams from the USA, China, Singapore, and Taiwan, and Australian teams such as Barker College, Macquarie University, Marsden High School and University of Tasmania, The Bush Bots more than held their own, finishing the qualification rounds (7 matches) ranked 14 th out of 43 teams.
After the qualification rounds, the top 8 ranked teams choose 2 other teams to join an alliance for the finals. As the Bush Bots had shown during the qualification rounds that they could break almost all of the defences, pick up boulders, score low goals and assist other teams to cross defences, they were chosen by the 8th ranked team, University of Tasmania, to form an alliance, along with Ivanhoe Central School.
Entering the finals as underdogs against the alliance consisting of Thunder Down Under (Ranked 1st) Barker Redbacks (Ranked 2nd) and House of Ulladalla (Ranked 13th), the Bush Bots fought gallantly. Through team work, the Bush Bots alliance scored 106 points, which was the second highest score at that point of the competition. Unfortunately, they were beaten by the top alliance in the best of their quarter final, who had to produce a score of 115 to stay alive in the competition. It was a massive effort to only be beaten by 9 points to the alliance that would go on to win the Sydney Regional.
Although small in numbers, every member of the Bush Bots displayed team work, camaraderie and gracious professionalism during the competition. Team Captain, Abby Downes, was awarded Most Valuable Player of the Bush Bots, for leading the team, making crucial decisions, and even filling in as Drive Captain in a few of the matches. Noah Platt, the youngest member of the team, displayed precision and finesse under pressure as he steered the robot over numerous obstacles during the competition. Arm operator, Jordan Morrison, worked seamlessly with Noah, picking up boulders, shooting low goals, and pushing obstacles with the purpose made bucket. Drive Captain, Tom Pattison, lead the team well on the field, discussing strategy with alliance members, and making sure our drive team worked together. Programmer, Charlie Young, continuously fine-tuned the code that drove the robot in the first 15 seconds of play in every match. All-rounder, Douglas Anderson, assisted the team in programming and robot maintenance. Cait Downes, a future leader of the team, was chosen as an ambassador of the tournament, a role that requires her to undertake training to promote FIRST to other schools. Safety Captain, Montana Jones, made sure that every member abided by the strict safety rules, and on numerous times, reminded Mr Druce and Mrs Grellman to wear their safety glasses in the pit area.
The Bush Bots would like to thank their sponsors; Auscott, CRDC, CGS, CSD, Namoi Cotton, SANTOS, Narrabri Shire Council, the Argosy Foundation, FIRST, the Rotary Club of Wee Waa, and team mentors Mr Druce, Mrs Grellman, Mr Catt and Mr Grellman for their assistance, guidance and support. A special mention must be said to all parents who supported the team through attending the competition and by donating food to keep the team going.
