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When you arrive early enough at an event, you allow yourself time to just sit and observe. As I pulled into Wagner High School at 8:30 AM on Saturday, September 7, I was able to watch buses full of eager teens pull in the parking lot. They were excited for the day and for the big reveal of INTO THE DEEP that was less than 3 hours away. Some came repping their team shirts and even a few had other props that told their story. At 9 AM the doors opened, and students, coaches, and supporters gathered in the auditorium. I was able to make my rounds and introduce myself and our new FTC Operations Manager, Traci Woeppel to any and every one we came across.
Traci Woeppel, Annie Bentley and Veronika Rosin coaches of Bionic Bengals, and Alexxis Ferguson
It was so inspiring watching this tight-knit community of young people who can collaborate, support each other and grow together personally and professionally. I had the pleasure of speaking to Debby Hermann, coach of 18094 Batteries Not Included, 21346 Some Assembly Required, who states that one of the things she loves about FTC is that “it brings in everybody.” Whether you like theater or want to grow up to be a lawyer, FTC has a spot for you. FIRST in Texas is all about giving kids a safe space to step out of their comfort zone.
As the day went on and students headed to different classes and workshops, I talked to some key components to the competitions such as Bill Scheidegger, head referee for FTC. He gives us some insider on what the season will hold and what he’s looking forward to the most- “It’s a lot of change and I’m anxious to see how everybody is going to take the new challenge.” A piece of advice from Bill to all the teams is, “Read the manual, read the manual, read the manual”
A rookie is defined by someone who is new to a hobby – we all start from somewhere, learning the ropes and embracing the journey. These early stages are crucial for growth- it teaches one how to be resilient, patient and the value of hard work. We also all have our reasons for pursuing a new path and that’s a conversation I had with three amazing individuals from the rookie team 25959 Gigabytes of Guac. Riley Kelly, a second-year competitor, states that her siblings have participated in FIRST for most of her life, meaning she has always been connected to this organization. Andrew Smith talks about his desire to join robotics- “I raised it to my parents and my mother talked with parents of two of the members of Microchips and Queso, so we just decided to sign up and we’re here now.” I then interviewed William Hirons and asked about his start with FTC. “I wanted to do robotics, because I love taking stuff a part and putting it back together.” He started with FLL and was eager to progress to FTC to get more involved with robotics. With all different reasons why, they took the first leap. I wish them luck this season!
Andrew Smith, Riley Kelly, William Hirons
When you’re the only one wearing a Spartan helmet in an auditorium of over 100 people, you tend to stand out. Boen Kelly created his own FTC team (Fulminata, which is the name of an ancient Roman legion) 5 years ago and they made it to World Championship last year. Boen is now a mentor of Microchips and Queso. He states that the community of FIRST is “not only excelling in what we do for robotics, but Gracious Professionalism® at its finest. You’re a professional in being the best in what you do, but you’re also gracious and you’re helping other teams.” Last year he mentored and helped fund Microchips and Queso, a rookie team at the time, and they made it to Worlds! “It’s not very common to see rookie teams make it to Worlds.” Boen states. This is truly a story of resilience, patience and hard work, something that FIRST in Texas teaches.
Boen Kelly in Spartan helmet
As the countdown began for the unveiling of the 2024-2025 FTC season challenge, the lights dimmed so that the only light reflecting in the auditorium was from the screen with a video emphasizing Gracious Professionalism® and FIRST® Core Values. There were scattered whispers of those telling their teammates how excited they were and asking them what their last-minute predictions were. As the challenge was finally revealed the auditorium filled with claps and cheers as students walked with urgency to climb on stage and see the demonstration and have their first interaction.
Students, coaches, and the community gathered on stage to see the demonstration
The students studied the demonstration and instantly began strategizing with their teams. You could see the gears begin to turn in their heads. Eliana Flores from team 18519, team Marvel– us is in her 5th year of FiT. “I’m really excited for the game; the game looks so epic and so challenging. I love a good challenge, so I’m really excited to tackle that full on with my team.” Eliana cheerfully states, as I ask her what she’s looking forward to this season. Her advice to all the rookie teams and those who are debating whether to join is “Give it a shot and give it your all!”
Eliana Flores
I had the honor of hearing this story from John Standifird, coach of 18094 Batteries Not Included, 21346 Some Assembly Required from Basis San Antonio Shavano. He talks about how last year one of his students was a finalist for the Dean’s List scholarship and John and the student traveled to Houston for the luncheon. The dean was the keynote speaker and during his speech he mentioned the world today, FIRST, Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® and he asked and answered a question that’s inspiring, “what does the world really need more of? The world needs more FIRST.”
Good luck to all the teams this season participating in FIRST® Tech Challenge. Here’s to a season of giving it a shot and giving it your all! Don’t forget to “Read the manual, read the manual, read the manual!”