FIRST Robotics Teams Converge on the Memorial Coliseum for a 2-Day Battle of the Bots
Six Teams Out-Maneuver the Competition to Advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championship
PORTLAND, OR – March 11, 2010 – This past weekend 61 teams comprised of more than 1,500 high school students representing 4 states from throughout the region converged on the Memorial Coliseum for the 2010 Autodesk Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Leading up to the event, the teams built robots in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and common set of rules, allowing for an additional 7 parts to be added This past weekend, the teams put their robots to the test in an intense head-to-head soccer-themed “breakaway challenge” competition. In the end, 6 teams out-maneuvered the competition to advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Atlanta, April 14-17, 2010. The major honors awarded at the competition included:
- 1st Place Alliance: Corvallis High School – Corvallis, Oregon; Beverly Hills High School – Beverly Hills, California; and Bonners Ferry High School – Bonners Ferry, Idaho
- Engineering Inspiration: Oregon City High School – Oregon City, Oregon
- Chairman’s Award: Catlin Gabel – Portland, Oregon
- Rookie All Star: Coeur d’Alene High School – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
“In this day and age, engineering is everywhere and it plays such an important role in the continuation and innovation of life as we know it,” said Debra Mumm-Hill, FIRST Pacific NW Regional Director. “By participating in FIRST, these students – who are the next generation of engineers and designers, are getting hands-on problem-solving skills and experience that will give them the technical expertise they need to be successful in the global marketplace.
The 2-day competition was kicked-off by a number of state and industry leaders, including Oregon 2010 Gubernatorial Candidates Bill Bradbury, Allen Alley and Chris Dudley as well as Buzz Kross, Sr. vice president of the Manufacturing Solutions Division at Autodesk. The group of distinguished guests addressed attendees and even competed in a Rock Band challenge.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,) is a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to celebrate science and technology via robotics competitions worldwide. FIRST combines the excitement of sport with science and technology to create a unique varsity sport of mind that helps high school students discover the rewarding and engaging process of innovation and engineering.
Other schools and individuals that received awards at the 2010 Autodesk Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics Competition included:
- Finalist #1: West Salem High School – Turner, Oregon
- Finalist #2: Camas High School and Washougal High School – Camas, Washington
- Finalist #3: Philomath High School – Philomath, Oregon
- Imagery Award in honor of Jack Kamen: Philomath High School – Philomath, Oregon
- Innovation in Control Award: Cleveland High School – Portland, Oregon
- Creativity Award: Santiam Christian School – Corvallis, Oregon
- Engineering Excellence Award: Camas High School & Washougal High School – Camas, Washington
- Entrepreneurship Award: Aviation High School – Des Moines, Washington
- Judges Award: Lincoln High School – Portland, Oregon
- Website Award: Aviation High School – Des Moines, Washington
- Excellence in Design Award: Philomath High School – Philomath, Oregon
- Industrial Design Award: Skyview High School – Vancouver, Washington
- Quality Award: Beverly Hills High School – Beverly Hills, California
- Gracious Professionalism Award: Franklin High School – Seattle, Washington
- Team Spirit Award: Tacoma School of the Arts High School – Tacoma, Washington
- Rookie Inspiration Award: Islamic Center of Portland – Portland, Oregon
- Highest Rookie Seed: Tigard High School – Tigard, Oregon
- Industrial Safety Award: Aviation High School – Des Moines, Washington
- FIRST Dean’s List Finalist Award: Henry Gordon – Portland, Oregon
- FIRST Dean’s List Finalist Award: Sarah Sawatzki –Portland, Oregon
- Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Bob Hendel
- Woodie Flowers Award: Bob Hendel
For a complete listing of awards and match results from the 2010 Autodesk Oregon Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, please visit: http://www2.usfirst.org/2010comp/events/OR/awards.html
ABOUT FIRST
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is a non-profit organization that motivates young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The FIRST program supports Oregon State’s commitment to STEM by building self-esteem, knowledge and life skills. FIRST uses a high-impact robotics competition to create life-changing and career-shaping experiences for students. In 2008/09, 3,400 Oregon high school students participated in the FIRST competitions, mentored by our regions leaders in various STEM industries. A significant component of the Oregon’s economy is derived from STEM industries and FIRST inspires students to become innovators and join these leading companies and institutions upon graduation. For more information about Oregon FIRST, visit: http://www. Oregonfirst.org/
