FIRST Team 2130 Alpha+ at Idaho Regional competition

NAMPA — Bonners Ferry High School’s robotics team, FIRST Team 2130 Alpha+ made it to the quarterfinals at the three-day Idaho Regional competition.

When arriving at the competition, the team and their robot took part in a series of practice matches on March 31, which gave them the opportunity to test their robot and its code out on the competition field.

“These practice matches not only gave us a chance on the field, but also the chance to play against, and with, other teams before the qualifying matches began,” said Grace Hopkins, student representative.

After intense practice with only minor technical difficulties on April 1, qualification matches began. Alpha+ had nine practice matches over the course of two days, team members said. After the qualification matches, they formed a team with team Red Rock and Spyder.

“We made it into the quarterfinals where we gave it our all during every match. Every time our drive team was out competing on the field we could hear the rest of the team cheering in the stands,” said Kaylee McCabe, student representative.

Throughout the competition, the team interacted with judges and other teams.

Alpha+ members said they loved having the opportunity to compete with and against teams from all over Idaho, Montana, Utah, California and Canada. Team member Colton Hubbell had the opportunity to act as an ambassador during the competition for Brigadier General Devin Pepper, who also came by and signed the team’s robot.