By Rachel Dinh
Unlike sports teams that have games or tournaments every week, TPA’s robotics team only has two crowning events: the AZ FIRST Championship and the FIRST Robotics AZ West Regional. What robotics teams lack in quantity, they make up for in preparation and pomp on competition day.
That’s why, in April, the FIRST Robotics Team is going to go all out. After all, it’s going to be the last hurrah for the team’s seniors – Olek Piechaczck, Sammy Nagy, Daniel Burgin, Jacob Steineke, Blake Carter, and Cameron Pickard – most of whom have been there since freshman year.
When asked if he had high hopes for the coming competition, Olek (Mechanical Lead and Drive Team Coach) says, “Yes! I think we will go to Nationals this year because we have so many seniors who have spent at least three, maybe four years with the team. We have a lot of new members and are the most student-led we have ever been.” A few members are already stepping into those leadership roles to continue the legacy of this successful team.
Spencer Will, a junior who is the electrical captain, reflects on the season so far: “We had a slow start but hopefully that makes up for a great bot. It’s definitely my favorite-looking bot from TPA and I hope it performs well. We would love for upcoming freshmen to think about robotics, especially if you’re thinking in the science and engineering-based fields.”
Carlo Ledesma, another junior, says, “Given the current arduous and productive season so far, coupled with the increasing student involvement and consistent participation from a majority of the members on the team, TPA robotics is looking at a great chance at doing real well at regionals.”
The team recently “bagged n’ tagged” their robot, which means they boxed it up and cannot touch it until competition day. In the meantime, they are building a second robot to practice with and to foresee technical difficulties. The addition of two new ASU mentors, who are helping the team laser cut 3D parts, has also been a huge help to adding to the design of the robot.
Blake echoes Olek’s sentiments: “At this next tournament, we’re really hoping to win and advance to World.” As for the impact and future of the team, he adds, “Robotics has been an incredible club for me during these last four years that has helped me determine a career choice and gave me various engineering skills. It is definitely something that everyone should look into.”
If you’re interested in art, the robotics team is currently looking for someone to design their t-shirts. If you’re interested in science and technology, or are just looking to have an exciting weekend supporting TPA students, come to the Regional competition from April 4-7.