Alpha + Robotics Heads to Competition

2130 Alpha + robotics is set to compete in the Idaho Regional March 27-29 in Nampa. Competing at the event are 53 teams from Idaho, California, Hawaii, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado as well as British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, and China. 

2130 Alpha + robotics is part of a worldwide organization called FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The organization is a worldwide robotics competition that brings high school level teams together to compete in a different competition every year.   

This year's game Is called Reefscape and is presented by HAAS. This game uses engineering skills to strengthen one of the ocean's most diverse habitats. Each team starts with a kit of parts and then brainstorms to design, build, program and do all electrical work of an industrial sized robot to play in an action-packed game. They compete on a field with six robots total in a three-team alliance in the spirit of “coopertition” — the concept by FIRST to encourage teams to cooperate to work together while also being in a competition.  

Robots must be built in order to accomplish the tasks of the game which in this game consists of placing two different game pieces, PVC pipe known as the “coral” and large rubber balls known as “algae” in various places on the playing field. The robot is all done by the students with adult mentor support and guidance. The robot must follow certain guidelines when it comes to perimeter, maximum height at start, weight and must also follow other safely guidelines. 

Thursday, March 27, will consist of the team getting their robot to pass inspection, and practice time on the field. They will begin competing with other teams on Friday and this will continue to Saturday. Those who wish to follow along with the team can do so at https://tinyurl.com/492xrye8. Once there look for Week 5 event, Idaho Regionals.  

Another part of the competition is that team members can be nominated for the dean’s list award. The FIRST dean’s list was made to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding secondary students. This year the team has two FIRST dean’s list semi-finalists. These students must be sophomores and juniors in high school. They will take place in an interview in front of a panel of judges at regionals. During this interview they will speak with judges about how they have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the FIRST core values, how they contribute to the team, what experience they have in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and how they are a role model who can motivate and lead their fellow team members. 

This year, the nominees are Matthew McCabe, junior, and Joseph Meyer, sophomore. McCabe is in his fourth year on the team.  

“To Matthew, FIRST is more than competition and winning, it is a way of life.” The Alpha+ officials said about McCabe. “He embodies the philosophies of gracious professionalism and coopertition daily. A quiet thinker who is always working on something new. Inventing at home, assisting his teachers with technology at school or playing an important role on team 2130.” 

Alpha + officials said McCabe is involved in almost every sub team and encourages and guides other members.   

“He is one that the mentors can always count on to be present and engaged,” they said. “He is kind and inclusive to everyone and a friend to all and is someone that many of the other team members go to for ideas and help. He is found almost daily at the computer working on a project with other team members seeking guidance. His quirky side is likely to bring a smile to all.”  

Meyer is in his third year on the team and is an integral part of the team. 

“This year he took on the lead role for our summer camp. He organized the 30 youth, youth mentors and minions that help run the program,” Alpha + officials said. “He communicated with parents, planned games, and STEM activities for a weeklong Lego robotics camp that ended the week with a team competition put on for the parents.” 

Organizers said Meyer is a main part of the Alpha + electrical team and jumps in to help wherever he is asked to help. 

“Joey has begun playing more of a role in the build team offering ideas and extra hands.  He is often seen cleaning and organizing around the shop, helping the entire team,” they said. “Joey helps at the various community service activities such as the annual rotary Easter egg hunt. He is a consistent positive member.”  

2130 Alpha+ members said they appreciate the support of the community, school district, teachers, mentors, parents and sponsors.  

“We would not be able to do this without the support of so many people,” Alpha+ officials said. “We look forward to representing our community at the Idaho Regional.”