San Miguel Robotics Program Hosts Qualifying Tournament on Campus

Last month, San Miguel’s robotics program hosted the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Arizona Palo Verde Qualifying Tournament here on campus. Over fifty student, faculty, family, and community volunteers gathered to welcome 15 teams from across the state.  During the tournament, teams competed with robots created and programmed by the students. On the field, robots participated in matches with the goal of completing certain tasks for points. Each match consisted of a 30 second autonomous section, during which the robot operates according to a program written by students, and a 2 minute driver operated section, during which students direct the robot in real-time. Judges evaluated performance and designated 9 awards overall.  Team Viper (San Miguel’s Varsity team) worked the event, filling roles such as Pit Administrator, FTA (Field Technical Advisor), and Robot Inspector. Team Venom, the Junior Varsity team, competed in the tournament, earning 7th place overall. Because FIRST emphasizes the values of “gracious professionalism” and collaboration, teams are encouraged to engage in friendly competition while also offering support and encouragement to competing teams.

The robotics program at San Miguel was co-founded by Br. Jack Henderson and Mr. Demian Quiroz when they arrived at San Miguel six years ago. Br. Jack and Mr. Quiroz noticed a lack of engineering offerings in the curriculum and felt that the creation of a robotics co-curricular program would provide students with valuable experience and skills. In addition to technical engineering skills, students learn how to problem solve and work as cooperative team members.  “Plus,” adds Br. Jack, “It’s just a lot of fun.”  Stay tuned for more news as Team Viper heads to the state competition in February. This year, Team Viper qualified for state in their first tournament of the year - the earliest they’ve ever qualified.