FIRST is a robotics organization that spans across the United States and helps prepare young people for their futures through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs. This year the competition theme is FIRST® IN SHOW, celebrating the roles STEAM skills play in the arts and design and build a world of endless possibilities.

At Frenship High School the robotics team consisted of 25 engineering students and is called Fe Iron Tigers 5866. These students have been working numerous hours after school to prepare for this season of ‘Crescendo’, a new FIRST Robotics challenge that debuted this year. Teams use their engineering skills and creative power to entertain and move the world by promoting STEAM and placing the "Arts" back into STEM. 

The Iron Tigers traveled to Waco, Texas last weekend as they began their competition season with a competitive district event. The team went into this contest with limited practice with the robot since they do not have enough space for a full practice field. They went into the competition unaware of exactly how the robot would react and perform, though they knew it would work. 

“Our expectations were high,” said James Holloway, FHS engineering teacher and robotics coach. “But not having an area to build a practice field and work on modifications as needed by practicing, keeps us on edge each year.”  

FIRST competition thrives on collaboration and gracious professionalism. At the event, 44 teams competed in 78 qualification matches to establish their rank at the competition. The top eight teams select two additional teams to play through a double elimination bracket in the final matches.  

For the competition season, the Iron Tigers developed a scouting process and analyzed how other teams were playing and ranked them in order of how they might match up with other teams. The team also has a PIT crew almost like NASCAR who keep the robot in working condition and prep it for each match. 

Holloway and Nancy Schunke, FHS science teacher and robotics coach, stated that they are always amazed how the students work together and get the job done each time they venture to a competition. 

After the qualification rounds the Iron Tigers were in spot 21 but were pulled into the final match by the 8-seat alliance. The team came back fighting as they battled through tough competition and ended up placing 7th overall. 

The Iron Tigers earned 21 district points which count toward earning a spot for the State Championship in April. The team will travel to Amarillo, on March 28 to compete in a second district event. 

Good luck, Fe Iron Tigers!