Category: Competition

Texas Torque recently journeyed deep into the Ozark Mountains to Springdale, Arkansas, to compete in the Ozark Mountain Brawl hosted by Team 16 and Team 3612. After seeding 1st in the qualifying matches, Torque partnered with Team 148 and Team 91, an additional robot brought by Team 16. Despite their best efforts to score while avoiding tough defense, they were knocked out of the competition by the 8th seed alliance, which went on to win the entire tournament.

Texas Torque also brought an additional robot, Team 1478. Dubbed Boxbot by the crowd, Team 1478 placed 13th in the qualifying matches before politely withdrawing from the competition for logistical reasons.

Overall, the competition was fun and energetic, and we look forward to competing again next year!

Texas Torque traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, for the international FIRST Championship held from April 25-28. With over 400 FRC teams competing, the competition was divided up into four divisions – Newton, Curie, Galileo, and Archimedes – played on identical fields. Texas Torque was placed in the Curie division along with other powerhouse teams such as 624 CRyptonite, 987 High Rollers, 341 Miss Daisy, and 254 Cheesy Poofs. Seeding low in the qualifying matches due to mechanical failures, Texas Torque joined up with the 6th seed alliance captain 3528 Up Next! and 1741 Red Alert for the elimination matches. After losing their first quarterfinal match by two points, the alliance managed to pull out ahead in the next two matches, winning each with a narrow margin of one point. Despite putting up scores in the 80’s during the semifinals, the alliance lost its last two matches when faced with scores in the triple digits put up by the 987-led alliance that went on to win the Curie division and compete in the finals on Einstein.

Velociriptar

In addition to competing, Texas Torque students participated in the FIRST Student Ambassador program. Marta Rippetoe, Teju Kishore, Amanda Lebsack, and Eric Menees volunteered their time to spread their knowledge and love of FIRST with VIPs and delegates from around the world. As the diplomats of FIRST, they gave guided tours of the pits and competition floor. They explained the various levels of competitions to executives from companies such as Boeing and MasterCard, giving them a personalized version of the FIRST experience and the opportunities it provides for students. Junior Eric Menees sums up his experience ambassadoring,”If I can impart even a fraction of the love I have for FIRST to someone unfamiliar with the program, I will have been successful. To paraphrase Dean Kamen, all it takes is that first spark and they’re hooked.”

Students from Texas Torque and CRyptonite lead a tour for Mastercard VIPs

Scott Rippetoe was presented with the prestigious Woodie Flowers Finalist award at the Lonestar Regional this weekend. The Woodie Flowers award is given as recognition for the dedication of a mentor and his contributions to his team. Students compose an essay summarizing their mentor’s unique attributes and conveying the sacrifices made for the team. These essays are then read by judges who chose a select few to receive this award. Mr. Rip has donated countless hours to Texas Torque, acting as both an educator and a motivator for the students on the team, and we are very lucky to have him as our mentor.

This weekend, Texas Torque rolled down to the Lonestar Regional in Houston, Texas. Together with alliance captain Team 624 CRyptonite and Team 2773 Irondogz, they advanced through the elimination rounds, remaining undefeated until the finals. They were awarded second place as regional finalists, as well as the prestigious Woody Flowers Finalist award in recognition of mentor Scott Rippetoe’s commitment and dedication to the team.

Last week, Texas Torque voyaged to the Bayou Regional in Kenner, Louisiana, placing as the highest seed in the qualifiers and becoming the first seed alliance captain. Together with FRC Teams 624 CRyptonite and 4353 RoBoDawgs, they advanced through the elimination rounds, remaining undefeated and taking home another banner as the Regional Winner. They were also given the Engineering Inspiration Award which recognizes the team’s involvement in the community and dedication to spreading the FIRST message.

Photo: Texas Torque, CRyptonite, and RoBoDawgs battle it out in the elimination rounds.