Robowranglers take FIRST at SMU event

March 17, 2009
Herald-Banner

By Amber Pompa
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- The Robowranglers Team began its defense of the World title by coming from behind to win the FIRST (First in Recognition of Science and Technology) Dallas Regional Event at Southern Methodist University March 12-14.

The nationally-acclaimed Robowranglers -- comprised of students and teachers from Greenville High School and staff members from the team's corporate sponsors -- formed the winning alliance with Team 2354 from Duncan, Okla., and Team 418 from Austin.

The team's robots swept its quarter and semi-final rounds.  In the finals, they lost the first match 62-60, won the second match 87-86 and then won the final match 62-58, claiming the championship.

"The team learned today why teamwork is so very important," said Johnny Tharp, team coach.  "They discovered the importance of scouting because without the scouts' diligent effort, this win would not have been possible."

In addition to taking first place at regionals, the Robowranglers received the Motorola Quality Award.  This award celebrates machine robustness in concept and fabrication, with quality being defined as a "degree of excellence" and "a high standard."

"This award is usually given to one of the best robots at the competition," said John V-Neun, lead engineer for the Robowranglers.  "It is exciting to see the hard work of our students recognized and rewarded by the judges."

Participating at FIRST were Rae Arnold, Jeff Bethel, Alex Cartier, Allison Chitwood, Michelle Colwell, Colin Doby, Parker Francis, Cody Horton, Connor Horton, Katie Kroncke, Mark Mahrer, Josh Matlack, Chris McMurray, Keri Porter, Adam Risley, Laura Risley, Dillon Row, James Russell, Charles Wensel, Trevor Wooten, Kaleb Wright and Amy Yznaga.

Engineer mentors for the team were Corey Chitwood, Jim Francis, John Hodapp, Trent Jones, Chris Horne, Matt Mahrer, Brandon Martus, Steve Maxwell, Kevin Morris, Vanessa Pope, Ken Stroud, Ricky Torrance, John V-Neun, Monty Wineinger and John Yznaga.

Next, the Robowranglers will be traveling to Houston to compete in the FIRST Lone Star Regional meet March 26-28.  The team will then head to Atlanta, Ga., for the FIRST Championship Event scheduled for April 16-18.

The Robowranglers -- Team 148 -- is sponsored by Innovation First, Inc., L-3 Communications and Greenville Independent School District.

Team148.org  |  Robowranglers.com