Students from the SCI-MA-TECH (SMT) program based at Traverse City Central High School are eager to begin their second season in the FIRST Robotics Competition.  In 2006, the SMT students competed at the Great Lakes Regional at Eastern Michigan University and came home with the Rookie Inspiration Award.  This year, the SMT students will compete as Team #1711 and will once again participate in the Great Lakes Regional in mid-March. 

On Saturday, January 6, this year’s game will be announced.  A simulcast of the FIRST Robotics Kickoff will be broadcast on TCAPS’ cable channel 98 beginning at 10:00 AM. 

Join the SMT students and tune into TV/98 to watch the exciting announcement of this year’s game.  After the game is announced, members of Team #1711 have until Tuesday, February 20 to build their robot.  Students from the SCI-MA-TECH (SMT) program based at Traverse City Central High School are eager to begin their second season in the FIRST Robotics Competition. 

Team #1711 is sponsored through grants from the State of Michigan, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, RJG, Inc. and the Mende and Jessup families.  Engineers from TranTek Automation Corporation and from Thermoelectric Design LLC will mentor team #1711.  Team #1711 is seeking additional sponsors and mentors for this year’s season.  Please contact SMT Director John Failor at 933-3554 or failorjo@csh.tcaps.net for more information or to participate as a sponsor or mentor.   

Additional Information:  The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

What is unique about the FRC program?

• It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
• Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
• Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
• The game rules are a surprise every year

Web Link:  http://155.212.10.234/community/frc/default.aspx?id=966

Contact:  John Failor, SCI-MA-TECH Director, Traverse City Area Public Schools at 933-3554 or failorjo@csh.tcaps.net