FIRST Robotics Championship
Written by Nicole Misencik on April 20, 2005
In addition to the 30 regional events held world-wide each year, FIRST holds one Championship event open to all teams. The FIRST Robotics National Championship Event generally attracts over 400 teams from all over the United States, and all over the world, and puts them all under one roof to compete for one title: FIRST Robotics Champions.
Team 230 sent about twenty students down to Atlanta, Georgia for the event, held in the Georgia Dome on April 21-23, 2005. Practice matches held on Thursday for Newton Division, one of four divisions of the competition, proved fruitful. Qualification matches on Friday and Saturday left Team 230 about midway in the standings. After a short break, the Gaelhawks were selected to participate in the semifinals as an alliance with Teams 616 and 1402. This alliance was defeated in the first round of quarter finals, to the alliance that went on to become the 2005 National Champions.
Regardless, everyone had a fantastic time cheering on the robot, driver, operator, coach, and human player, who donned a festive orange and black helmet in the spirit of Team 230 and safety! The plane ride home on Sunday morning was a sad farewell to the thrilling competition. Still, the Gaelhawks can't wait to see what next season brings!
