After a competitive FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – World Championship event last weekend at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, two Katy ISD robotics teams placed among the top contenders.
During the tournament, Cinco Ranch High School (CRHS) Team 624 “CRyptonite” placed fourth in the Hopper Division of 75 teams with a record of 7-2-1. They also advanced to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs and received the “Excellence in Engineering Award.” Seven Lakes High School (SLHS) Team 4639 “RoboSpartans” placed 11th out of 75 teams in the Carver Division with a 6-3-1 record and advanced to compete in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs.
“I’m extremely proud of these teams. They were part of the top 23 teams in Texas to qualify to go to the world competition based on their robotics team performance,” said Steve Adams, Facility Coordinator at Robert R. Shaw Center for STEAM. “The world championship event was competitive, but also a very memorable moment for both Katy ISD teams because they were competing against groups from all over the world,” added Adams.
The FIRST Championship is an international competition where top teams from around the world compete to take the prestigious title of being named a “FIRST Robotics Competition World Champion.” Over 450 teams participated this year.
Both Katy ISD robotics teams also placed at the state tournament. CRHS Team 624 won the Mercury Division of 40 teams and placed third in the overall group of 80 Texas teams, earning them a State UIL Runners-up title. They also received the “Autonomous Award.” SLHS Team 4639 earned fifth place out of 40 teams in the Apollo Division and was recognized with the “Entrepreneurship Award.” Other Katy ISD teams who participated in the state competition included Team 624 “Glow with the Flow” from Paetow High School, Team 5427 “Steel Talons” from Tompkins High School and Team 8576 “Golden Warriors Robotics” from Jordan High School.
Cinco Ranch High School (CRHS) Team 624 “CRyptonite”
Seven Lakes High School Team 4639 “RoboSpartans”