Hamilton High School’s Charger Robotics Team continued to be a force within the FIRST Robotics community by taking home the championship and another award March 12 from the St. Louis regional competition.
The Charger team was named champions after battling a day and a half in qualification matches and proceeding undefeated in the elimination rounds. Charger Robotics competed in an alliance with teams from Fayetteville, Tenn., and Hammond, Ind. and came out champions, which qualifies them for another trip to national competition.
In addition to picking up the regional championship, the team earned the Kleiner Perrkins Caulfield and Byers Entreprenuership Award. For the second consecutive year, the team received the award for development of a business plan that ensures its long-term success and viability.
Before competing at the national competition in Atlanta, the team will prepare for the Wisconsin regional in Milwaukee. Hosted at the U.S. Cellular Arena and open to the public, the competition draws 33 teams from the Midwest, including 19 from Wisconsin. Nearly 1,000 students will vie for the Robotics competition and 12 awards. FIRST Lego League and FIRST VEX competitions will be demonstrated.
Hamilton High School teacher John Budish is the co- chair of the all-volunteer committee responsible for funding and organizing the Wisconsin regional event. He said he is thrilled that Hamilton’s team will enter the Wisconsin regional as St. Louis champions and encourages community members to support the local team.
FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — was founded in 1992 by Inventor Dean Kamen to encourage students to consider careers in science and technology. The FIRST Robotics competition now features more than 1,125 teams from around the world, 33 regional events and a 330-team championship in Atlanta.