Team 525 captures another Regional

By: Zuhayr Alam

After having already won a regional competition and thus qualifying for the World Competition in St. Louis nearing the end of April, the Swartdogs traveled to Minneapolis to participate in the Land of 10,000 Lakes Regional Competition.

The Swartdogs had another very successful regional, heading into the elimination rounds as a second seed. The number one seeded team picked the Swartdogs to be in their alliance, and with a third team, the alliance went on to win the regional. During the elimination stages, however, the alliance had to deal with several mechanical issues, but they were able to keep the robots running well.

At the end of the competition, the Swartdogs received the Motorola Quality Award, which celebrates machine robustness in design and fabrication.

Mentor Kenton Swartley is very happy with how the team is looking before the World Competition.

“The competition in Minnesota went very well,” Swartley said. “We may try a few small changes before Worlds, but not any real significant changes.”

Senior Jason Cheng agreed with Swartley.

“The competition went pretty well,” Cheng said. “The robot performed up to our expectations, and winning the regional as the number one alliance was a nice added touch.”

Swartley that Worlds will be different than the other regionals.

“The competition will be much tougher in St. Louis, with many regional winners in attendance,” Swartley said. “The qualifying matches at Worlds will probably be similar to the playoff matches at most of the other regionals.”

Cheng said he is happy with the way things are wrapping up with Team 525.

“I think it’s a pretty good way to end a high school career,” Cheng said. “Two regional wins, a Chairman’s Award and a chance to have more success at Worlds in two weeks. Even so, as it stands, it’s been a pretty good season.”