The KGJ STEM @ Crockett Rockabots ended the regular robotics season with a bang.  Teams 148 B, D and F got to experience their first travel tournament.  Friday, Feb. 17 they started with the best burgers and fries ever, followed by a team swim.  

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Rockabots competed in a tournament in Granbury and for the first time in team history, every team ended the qualification matches in the top 10.  After finals, team F ended in second place, 148 D in third and 148 B in sixth. Teams F and D ended in fourth and fifth place out of 32 elementary and middle school teams in skills.

These three teams also set another record for the Rockabots program when all three won judged awards.  Team 148 D was given with the Energy Award, which honors the team that shows the most enthusiasm for robotics and the tournament they are competing in.  Team 148 B was awarded the Sportsmanship Award that honors the team who was the most polite and had the best interactions with the other teams and those running the event. Team 148 F completed the awards trifecta by earning the Excellence Award, considered the highest award in the VEX IQ program. 

We want to wish good luck to Team 148 F as they prepare for State on March 11.  Teams 148 B and D will continue to practice and prepare while they wait to find out February 28 if they have placed high enough in the Worlds Skills rankings to receive an invitation to state.

Coach Susanna Berrones could not be more excited for the trio of teams.

“I am so proud of these teams as they met their goals of winning judged awards this year,” Berrones said. “Especially awards that were based on their character as competitors.”

While trips are exhausting for everyone, Berrones said loved the opportunity to witness how these Rockabots have grown as competitors, teammates, and friends.