Central Technology Center’s FIRST Robotics team, registered as Storm #2389, qualified for the FIRST Robotics Championship after allying with two teams and winning both of its final matches on March 30 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, OK taking first place at regional competition.

 

This year’s competition required students to build a robot in 6 weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST. Students knew the offensive and defensive objectives for the robot, but had to devise a concept, design the robot, problem solve and trouble shoot.

 

Students from all over Central Tech’s district came together in the Pre-Engineering Academy to form team Storm #2389, but it was teamwork and their ability to contribute to a larger alliance that led them to the finals.

 

“It was amazing, especially during the draft when they called 2389,” said Roy Morris of Mannford High School and Central Tech’s Pre-Engineering Academy. “We were drafted because we had a strong drivetrain and we could block other robots. The other two teams were excellent scorers.”

 

The Central Tech team was proud their robot stood out defensively. The pre-engineering students were fully responsible for concept, design and construction of the robot.

 

“We did all our own work,” said Andy Rember from Ripley High School and Central Tech’s Pre-Engineering Academy. “A lot of the teams sent their fabrications off to be built, but we did all of it here in the lab.”

 

Central Tech’s Pre-Engineering Academy has competed in the FIRST Robotics competition for the last six years.

 

“This is a tremendous learning opportunity for our students,” said Shane Bruce, a Pre-Engineering Academy instructor at Central Tech. “Our students walk away with real-world experience in brainstorming, design, application, problem solving, team-building, communication and sportsmanship.”

 

Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology awarded ten Storm team members with a one-time $1,000 scholarship, contingent upon attendance at OSU while majoring in engineering, architecture or technology.

 

Central Tech’s team will compete in the worldwide FIRST Robotics Competition Championship in St. Louis, MO April 24 – 27.

 

Oklahoma FIRST and its Sponsors awarded a grant to cover the cost of Storm’s Championship Registration Fee of $5,000 at the St Louis event.

 

If you or your child is interested in Central Tech’s Pre-Engineering Academy, please visit our website at centraltech.edu/preengineering, or call us at 918.352.2551.