Shelby Junior High’s Raging Robots and Vicious Volts are officially headed to the Michigan State Championship after strong performances at the Lake Orion and Rochester Qualifier Competitions.
At the Lake Orion qualifier, both teams earned official invitations to the State Championship, which will be held December 13 through 14 at Grand Blanc High School. Between the two qualifying competitions, the Volts walked away with two Think Awards and the winning Alliance Champions at Lake Orion, while the Raging Robots earned first and second place finishes for the Inspire Award and were part of the Finalist Alliances for both competitions.
Nate Paul has been with the team for five years, serving as the lead coach for four. Along with Paul, veteran coaches James Currie (eight seasons), Bill Manhart (four seasons) and Fred Householder (two seasons) have contributed to putting the teams on top. All are parent volunteers who have engineering backgrounds and careers in the automotive and defense industries.
Since 2012, the Shelby Robotics Club has been active and has offered more than just a regular robotics club to students.
“Beyond building robots, we are about inspiring students and giving back to the community,” Paul said. “This year our teams have adopted a family for Christmas, packed and donated hygiene kits for those in need, made fleece tie-blankets for homeless teens, and demonstrated robotics at a senior center, school science fair, homecoming parade, and a trunk-or-treat event. We also mentored a rookie all-girls team that just advanced to the Michigan State Championship, something we’re especially proud of.”
Both teams are thrilled to have qualified for the Michigan FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship.
“The students couldn’t be prouder or more motivated. We’ve attended States many times before, so they’re excited but also focused,” Paul said.
The road to qualifying was not an easy path. Since September 6, members have been meeting three days a week to design, build, and program these robots. Continuous improvement in these areas is what keeps these teams at the top.
“Qualifying for States validates the countless hours they’ve invested, but they also understand the journey isn’t over. The hunger to keep improving is what drives them forward,” Paul said. “Both the Vicious Volts and Raging Robots feature unique mechanical designs paired with sophisticated software and control logic. Combine that with an exceptional work ethic, our students regularly put in extra drive-practice and strategy sessions, and you have two teams that consistently perform at the highest level.”
The two teams look to continue advancing further to potentially make the World Championship.
“A strong performance at the Michigan State Championship could qualify one or both teams for the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas, this April. That’s the ultimate goal we’re all working toward,” Paul said.
