RPA robotics team wins FIRST Tech Challenge

The Robotics Quasar Alliance, representing the Redmond Proficiency Academy, won the Central Oregon League Championship of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) on Sunday , December 14th at Mountain View High School in Bend.

The Robotics Quasar Alliance beat out a field of 10 robotics teams to earn the right to advance to the FTC Super Qualifier scheduled for February 21st and 22nd at the Evergreen Space Museum in McMinnville. RPA’s team will compete against other league champions for a chance to advance to the Oregon FTC State Championship.

“This event was so much fun,” said RPA senior Adam Novotny. “We are happy to earn the win after all of our hard work.”

The Robotics Quasar Alliance went undefeated in six matches to earn the competition’s top ranking heading into the finals. In addition to winning the final match and earning first place, the judges awarded the team with the Motivate Award for its outstanding team spirit and character.

RPA advanced two teams to the semifinals of the competition, RPA’s Team Deyybi was selected as an alliance captain before falling to the Robotics Quasar Alliance. Team Deyybi employed an innovative chain driven scissor lift system that impressed the judges, who awarded them with the PTC Design Award, given to teams who are able to innovative and incorporate industrial design elements in their robot.

“I couldn’t be happier with the performance of both RPA teams,” said RPA robotics teacher Josh White. “Team #5627 (Robotics Quasar Alliance) used consistency and solid game strategy to repeat its win from last season, but it was heart breaking to see the two RPA teams battling it out in the semi-finals. Even though only one team advanced, they were both very successful and the judges were impressed with both teams.”