Gaelhawks Heat Up Hartford!
Written by Anthony J. Castorina on March 14, 2003
The 2003 Robotics New England Regional Competition was held at the Meadows Music Theatre March 14th?15th. Hosted by an array of judges and comical announcers, the event was an enriching experience for all. The Gaelhawks robot, Talon IV, performed extremely well in the qualifying rounds, advanced to the quarter finals, and finished seventh out of thirty eight teams in this regional competition.
At the conclusion of the competition murmurs filled the Meadows Music Theatre as everyone anxiously anticipated the announcement of the winners of numerous coveted awards. The Gaelhawks enthusiastically joined in the applause as the winners for each award were announced. As the introduction of the winner of the final and most prestigious award was begun, the Gaelhawks shifted in their seats as they heard the Master of Ceremonies announce ?The judges would like an invitation to next year?s auction.? Captains David Wickers and Soren Ibsen, weary from the day?s events, suddenly became alert and reenergized. The Gaelhawks whispered to one another, ?How many teams have an auction?? Bringing the high hopes and dreams to reality the MC continued ?This team can also be found traveling to local schools with their reading robot.? Excitement was undoubtedly a mutual feeling between students and adults. Mr. Niski rose from his seat with an unmistakable look of anticipation. Finally the judges announced the recipient of the most prestigious award. "Congratulations GAELHAWKS, Shelton High School Team 230, UTC Sikorsky, Perkin Elmer, OEM Controls, and Pitney Bowes. You are the winners of the 2003 FIRST New England Regional Chairman?s Award."
As "Get the Party Started" boomed from the speakers, a sea of orange uniforms cascaded down the aisles and onto the stage. With heads held high, the team graciously accepted congratulations from announcers, judges, and Dr. Woodie Flowers himself.
FIRST advisor and a professor at M.I.T., Dr., Flowers grasped each passing hand and said "Thank you so much for doing this." Each member proudly stepped off the stage wearing a gold medal. Teams came from their seats and lined the aisles to honor the students, advisors, and engineers. The honor, the victory, and the personal thank you from Dr. Flowers were dreams realized and memories that can never be replaced. Ever.
