Huntington Robotics Set for Big Week
This is a big week for Huntington Robotics. The team has been working since last summer to lay the groundwork for what it hopes will be a very strong showing at the regional FIRST robotic competition at the David S. Mack Arena at Hofstra University this weekend.
The FIRST robotics competition requires teams of students and their mentors to design and build a 130 lb. robot using a standard provided kit of parts during a six-week period under a strict set of rules. The international competition has grown to more than 1,300 teams and 37 regional events. Teams from as far away as Israel and Brazil are competing.
“Team members have worked extraordinarily hard, not only in terms of building their device but also in terms of devising a strategy that will help them to capitalize on each and every competitive opportunity,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “We are beyond proud of their efforts in all regards. It is clear that they have enjoyed every minute of the experience and they are sure to have a ball at Hofstra this weekend.”
The Huntington High School team spent this past Monday and Tuesday gathering all of the materials it needs for the pit area at Hofstra. It’s the spot where the group’s robot will be staged prior to this weekend’s matches.
“This includes a canopy and tables and tool chests that need to be filled with all the tools the team will need” said Joseph Saginaw, a Huntington senior who captains the high school team.
Huntington Robotics has also prepared marketing materials for judges to view and to distribute to other teams. Wednesday has been set aside for team members to meet and discuss the competition and go over details. After that session, five team members will bring Huntington’s robot and all the pit materials to Hofstra.
A group of Huntington team members is set to return to Hofstra on Thursday morning to set-up the pit area and prepare the robot and compete in practice matches. The actual competition begins on Friday and continues throughout the day. Huntington Robotics expects to engage in numerous qualification matches.
Qualifying round matches will conclude on Saturday and alliance selections will be made by the top eight of the 51 teams entered into the competition. “Playoff matches are in the afternoon,” Mr. Saginaw said. “There are quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds, which will result in one alliance earning a trip to the national championships in St. Louis.”
Huntington Robotics faculty advisor Brian Reynolds and the team’s members have devoted an enormous number of hours to this year’s campaign. The group is primed and ready to go. It’s hopeful that a strong showing is in the cards.
The Long Island regional competition is sponsored by School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. A non-profit organization founded in 1984 that links high schools and businesses throughout Long Island.
“Our vision is to create an educated workforce for Long Island by opening the minds of students to career opportunities through a collaborative partnership of schools, businesses, community organizations and government,” states the SBPLI website.
2015 Long Island Regional FIRST® Robotics Competition
Thursday-Saturday, March 26-28
David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University
There is no charge for admission.
• Thursday, March 26
Practice rounds begin at 10 a.m.
• Friday, March 27
Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m.
Competition begins at 9:00 a.m.
Awards Ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 28
Opening ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m.
Competition begins at 9:00 a.m.
Playoff matches and awards ceremony begin at 1:30 p.m.
Awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m.