Team OMEGA advances to state

It was a successful weekend for Boundary County Middle School robotics Team OMEGA and their robot, Tardis, at the First Lego League (robotics) Qualifying Tournament, hosted for the first time in Bonners Ferry.

Team OMEGA, mentored and cheered on by Bonners Ferry High School Team Alpha+, successfully demonstrated their skills on Saturday and earned a position in the upcoming state tournament held in Moscow.

Ten regional teams competed in the tournament, five advancing forward.

BCMS League Coach Jacob Garrison said he is proud of the team’s efforts and positive attitudes.

“We were a little hesitant that they would advance because this is their first year, but they surprised us all.” Garrison said. “They all worked very hard and had positive attitudes.”

Judges awarded the teams in six categories.

Enthusiasm Excellence: Awarded to Team 24031, Jelly Belly Casters from Rathdrum, Idaho.

Judge’s comments: This colorful team showed the most enthusiasm to all the judges. They were full of flavorful surprises.

Project Award: Awarded to Team 1405, Blackfish Corp. from Rathdrum, Idaho.

Judge’s comments: This team’s project idea was both clear and complex. These students delved deep into current environmental measures to address oil spills as well as how to limit the impact of these catastrophes on our world. They ran cost estimates. They built models. They made a good faith effort to take their research directly to the oil companies. This team did not simply offer cleanup. They rebuilt tanker ships from the hull in!

Core Values Award: Awarded to Team 1411, Fantastic 5 from Rathdrum, Idaho.

Judge’s comments: This team was heard and won the hearts of our animal loving judges. They were truly fantastic.

Robot Design Award: Awarded to Team 14919, OMEGA from Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Judge’s comments: It isn’t Greek to the judges. They had streamlined code and a clear game plan. They know their boundaries. . . county.

Robot Performance Award: Awarded to Team 1380, THEM Donuts from Rathdrum, Idaho. High Score: 104.

Champions Award: Awarded to Team 1380, THEM Donuts from Rathdrum, Idaho.

Judge’s comments: This team impressed the judges with articulate presentations. They wisely did not use doughy wheels. There were no holes in any of their performances. Fun, enthusiasm, energetic humor carried the day.

Ten teams from Rathdrum. Post Falls and Bonners Ferry attended the Bonners Ferry Tournament.

If OMEGA is successful at the state tournament, they will go on to nationals, held in St. Louis, Mo., where team members will have the opportunity to win scholarships.