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Robotic coach with five students standing in front of robotic competition ring
  • Robotics

Three robotics teams from Widefield High School recently competed in the prestigious AFCEA Pikes Peak VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Event. This highly competitive event hosted 64 teams from across the United States and Canada, providing a challenging arena for all participants. While the Widefield teams did not achieve a top placement, their participation offered invaluable learning and growth opportunities.

Team 61973C – Fire Hazard, composed of Gavin Bennet and Nathan Brown, finished in 30th place. Bennet commented on the difficulty of the competition, noting the impact of team pairings and the strength of the opposing competitors, even when equipped with a well-designed robot. Despite the challenges, Fire Hazard received the Sportsmanship Award, demonstrating their commitment to gracious professionalism and positive conduct throughout the event.

Team 61973B – Slightly Functional, with members Quinn Hayden and Noah Oddo, placed 50th. They explained their strategic focus on defensive capabilities rather than prioritizing speed, offering a different approach to the competition. The team expressed their intent to analyze their performance and refine their strategy for future competitions.

Team 61973A – Butter Bae Biscuit Boys, represented by Kristopher Galloway and Dominic Fernandez, finished in 59th place. Fernandez discussed their design choice to prioritize strength and defense over speed, acknowledging that while the strategy did not yield the desired results, it provided a valuable learning experience in design and strategic decision-making. Galloway emphasized the positive aspects of the event, including the opportunity to observe other teams’ designs and learn from the experience.

The teams expressed their gratitude to the Widefield School District 3 for its continued support of the robotics program, particularly for providing essential resources and materials. They also conveyed their sincere appreciation for their robotic coach, Ziggy Joseph, recognizing her exceptional dedication and mentorship, including extensive support beyond regular school hours.

While the Widefield teams did not achieve a winning placement, the experience proved highly beneficial. Qualifying for this national-level competition represented a significant accomplishment in itself, particularly given the challenges the teams have overcome. Ms. Ziggy emphasized the importance of the lessons learned, particularly in the areas of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. The teams’ participation in the AFCEA Pikes Peak VEX V5 Robotics Competition represents a valuable step in their development as aspiring engineers and problem-solvers.

AFCEA Pikes Peak Robotics logo
Robotic coach with five students standing in front of robotic competition ring
Robotic arena with three competition rings with teams standing around them
Student holding sportsmanship award