Robotics team will compete at NW regionals in Portland

High school students from Colfax, Pullman, Colton, Palouse and Moscow have earned spots to compete in this year’s F.I.R.S.T. FRC Pacific Northwest Championship in Portland April 9-12. Also known as Team 4061, the robotics team has had a stellar season. Winning the EWU District Competition and coming in second place in the CWU District Competition, 4H P.A.R.T. is ranked third among 153 teams in all of Washington and Oregon. They have been honored with the Engineering Excellence Award in both district meets.

Their successful season officially began in January when they were tasked to design, build, program and troubleshoot a large robot that competes in Aerial Assist, a game played with full-sized exercise balls. The 2.5 minute matches are fast and furious, with ever-changing strategy, defense and hard-hitting action. The students learn all about robot “triage” and quick problem-solving between matches.

This 4H science program is mentor-guided and supports expanded hands-on learning in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The team is hoping to earn a position in Portland to participate in the FRC World Finals later in April with 400 international teams traveling to compete in St. Louis.

The team is funded by grants, local businesses and private donors, but is seeking additional sponsorships. Its website is sciborgs4061.teamr.com.