As the roaring sounds of the arena blast throughout the halls of Miller Grove, teams 3350C and 75503Y go up against teams 4148V and 1394A in the quarterfinals.
On Feb. 24, the Texas High T-Bots competed in the state robotics tournament. Team 3350C won a Design Award but lost in the quarterfinals 103-67.
“We competed against the toughest teams around,” Junior Evan Wyche said. “Everything we have worked for has led to this moment. Although we didn’t make it in the eliminations, we will still be able to go to Worlds because of our Design Award.”
With this Design Award, Team 3350C qualifies for the Vex World Championships in Dallas, TX. This is the first time in Texas High history the T-Bots will go to Worlds.
“I am so happy that we have won this award,” Senior Brett Sparks said. “I am relieved that all of my work paid off and won us a notebook based award, I am happy that we made history.”
Texas High placed 7th in the Region with a nine win and two loss record, with 3350C bringing home a banner and an award, making this the best record and season in Texas High’s history. Four teams from Texas High competed in the tournament and placed 7th, 24th, 33rd and 37th.
“This tournament was very challenging for our teams,” Coach Mark Ahrens said. “I’m glad with how we performed and am excited that we are able to go to worlds after so many years. We truly have accomplished a lot, and we are not done yet.”
Six seniors are graduating this year; many of them hope to use this tournament as a learning experience as new students entering the field of robotics. Several students plan to continue their career past Worlds.
“I’m excited that we were able to get to go to worlds, it’ll be a fun experience,” Senior Cristal Hernandez said. “Although it is my last year, I hope to use this as a learning experience for others and to also have a good time.”
Several students at Texas High dreamed of one day being able to go to worlds. Now that it is accomplished, Texas High Robotics hopes to win an award at Worlds, sealing this as an important moment in their lives.
“I’ve been teaching robotics for seven years,” Ahrens said. “We have finally been able to do what many others couldn’t. I am proud to teach all of my 3350 teams.”
