After really enjoyed being a member of the Joe Bots Robotics team in middle school. He was a rookie in 6th grade, as we all were. In 7th grade, he participated again, but it was mostly all remote or in very small group meetings due to COVID. It was definitely not the same experience. This year, as an 8th grader, it was much like we remembered in 6th grade. So, "back to normal" in a lot of ways. This year, he continued his work on the marketing team, focusing most of his time creating the team's engineering notebook. He dabbled in programming, but it didn't really stick. He was never too interested in the build team. He has vision and pretty comprehensive understanding of the competition and all its components. This, along with his steadfast responsibility, led him to be chosen as the coach for the white team. This meant he was on the game field for all competitions with his team's two drivers. This was a meaningful way to end his middle school robotics career. :)
Fruitport Qualifier 11/13
Ryan team readies for a match.
Engineering notebook displayed in pit area.
Ryan with his team's drivers in the pit area, robot on cart.
The team's video of them introducing themselves. I snapped a pick when Ryan appeared.
in the pit area
talking to judges
getting ready for another match
These meets are busy!
Ryan's team had some driving and programming issues to clean up. Plus, their alliance-mates weren't super strong, so they didn't rank too high at this qualifier, but they must have impressed the judges, because they won the Judges Award!
Coloma Qualifier 12/4
in the middle of a match
Ryan spins the ducks!
hanging out with teammates in the cafeteria
A part of this robotics league is doing dances like the Macarena or the Chicken Dance during breaks in the action. Ryan doesn't care too much about this aspect of the events, but Evan likes to get up and dance.
The goat, merch from a team sponsor, became their mascot.
There are lots of awards at each qualifier, but the main thing is whether or not you score an invitation to the state competition. Ryan's team did just that at the Coloma qualifier.
State Championship Battle Creek 12/17-18
It was the last Friday before holiday break, Ryan got to miss school for this state competition, and Burke and I had to work. So, Ryan's friend's dad/robotics mentor/social studies teacher, who took the day off, drove Ryan to Battle Creek for this 2-day event. We missed the entire day of matches on Friday, but were able to watch Ryan's team on Saturday. What a fabulous way to wrap up the season and his middle school robotics experience.
Ryan strategizing with an alliance-mate.
one of the qualifying matches on the big screen
Ryan's team was consistent; the drivers were quick and accurate; the programming was solid; and they had strong alliances, which led to Ryan's team finishing ranked 5th! That put him in a position to be the captain of the third place alliance for the semifinals.
Ryan chose his sister teams from St. Joe as his alliance-mates for the semifinals. It may or may not have been the strongest strategic choice, but it was the best choice for relationships and team building. We were proud of his logic and character in that moment. He makes it look easy!
Semifinal match
Sadly, they didn't advance to the finals, but man, it was an impressive season of growth.
Ryan: coach, AJ & Hank: drivers
I teared up a bit after that last match. Participating in robotics has strengthened Ryan's middle school experience in many ways. I'm impressed with his commitment, effort, and learning. It's also fun to watch him interact with his teammates. But what really got to me is when one of the adult mentors asked to take a picture with Ryan, saying he was one of her favorites. It's so rewarding when other adults genuinely say lovely things about your kiddos. We're proud as can be! He says he wants to continue with robotics in high school next year. We'll see...
