WIN, WINN,-OVATION
Add comment March 2nd, 2009
One of our local First Robotics teams won the regional competition. Karen Hill reported the following:
 On Thursday, Feb. 26, 54 US FIRST teams from 6 Midwest states and one from Ontario, Canada, uncrated 120 pound robots they had built in a six-week period. This year’s game, Lunacy, in honor of the 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon involved playing a game on a slick surface with slick tires to emulate the low traction of moving on the moon’s surface. The game involved 3 robots playing 3 robots. The goal was to get as many moon cells/orbit balls into the opponents’ trailers in a 2 minute and 15 second match.
Teams in the area include: Winnebago Winnovation, Rockford Robotics, Freeport Metalheads, and Oregon Robohawks. After 72 qualifying rounds were played out on Friday and Saturday, Winnovation was ranked 6th.
During the draft, they were asked to partner with the 3rd ranked team Wildstang from Wheeling/Rolling Meadows high schools. The alliance of three, was rounded out with UPS (Ultimate Protection Squad) from Milwaukee, WI. To advance from quarterfinals to semi-finals to finals, alliances must win 2 of 3 matches. Winnovation alliance made it to the finals to face off against the alliance that boasted Rockford Robotics, Oswego Gear It Forward and Penn Robotics from Mishawaka, IN. Rockford’s alliance put up a valiant effort playing defense on Winnebago and their partners, but Winnebago’s allliance held out for the win and to be declared the Midwest Regional Champions. This accomplishment qualifies the team to play in the World Championships in the GeorgiaDome, Atlanta in April!
Winnovation also applied for the US FIRST Regional Chairman’s Award, a highly coveted award, recognizing a team that encourages youth to get involved in science and technology, perform community service, and more. Two students were interviewed, an essay and DVD were submitted to be considered. This award is similar to being declared the Grand Champion. The team’s efforts impressed the judges and earned the team this prestigious award. This award also qualified the team to compete in Atlanta! The students will go through the interview process again to be considered for the World Chairman’s Award. This winner will be invited to visit the White House and have a standing invitation to compete in the World Championships each year.
Winnebago and Rockford Robotics teams will be competing again on Mar 13-14 at the Wisconsin Regional Competition at the US Cellular Arena in Milwaukee. 60+ teams will be in attendance. Admission is free, there is usually a charge for parking. More information on this event can be found at www.wisconsinregional.org. More program information on US FIRST Robotics can be found at www.usfirst.org. Come cheer on our youth in what promises to be an exciting event!
Donations to help send the team to Atlanta can be sent to Winnebago School District, attn: Winnovation, 304 E. McNair Rd., Winnebago, IL 61088.
