Over the 2 weekends of March break, Lake Effect Robotics - Team 2708 was busy competing in their 2 regional events - first at Durham College in Oshawa, followed by Nipissing University in North Bay!
DURHAM COLLEGE - OSHAWA (Mar 13-15)
The unproven robot got off to a slow start as the team gained valuable experience during the opening day matches. With improved performance on the second day, the team placed 26th overall (out of 28 teams) with a record of 3 wins and 9 losses and was selected, surprisingly, by Alliance #6 for their 3-team alliance in the double-elimination playoffs. Working alongside team captain Team 5032 “The Falcons” (from Mississauga) and Team 5409 “The Chargers”(from Oakville), Alliance 6 made it through to round 3, match 9 before being eliminated in a close match 189-169.
In addition, Lake Effect Robotics ended up winning the "Gracious Professionalism" award, given to the team whose students embody great sportsmanship and show respect and kindness to others both on and off the field. What the judges said: "No matter the weather, this team embodies sportsmanship. They have graciously provided their support to stitch up other teams on and off the field. Hats off to this tight-knit group for EFFECT-ively demonstrating gracious professionalism. Congratulations Team 2708"! In the end, Lake Effect Robotics finished 23rd overall with 17 District points.
"Gracious Professionalism" Award Winners at Durham College Event
NIPISSING UNIVERSITY - NORTH BAY
Following a busy week during March Break making several improvements to the robot, the hard work paid off at Nipissing University with much-improved performance. Also benefiting from a more favourable schedule, Lake Effect Robotics found itself at or near the top of the standings for much of Day 1. At the end of the 12-match qualification round, Team 2708 found itself in 8th position out of 25 teams with a 7-5 record and was the Alliance 6 team captain. Teaming up with Team 7712 (from Scarborough) and Team 2706 "Merge Robotics" (from Ottawa), again the alliance made it through to round 3 before being eliminated once again in match 9.
In addition, Lake Effect Robotics won the "Team Spirit" award, given to the team who displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit. Here is what the judges said: “This team has layers. You’ll dig their style! Erupting with enthusiasm, this down-to-earth team can weather any storm. They shower FIRST core values at competitions and within their community. This tight-knit team is in their purple era. Congratulations Team 2708!” In the end, Lake Effect Robotics finished 10th overall with 31 District points.
With a 2-event total of 48 District points, Lake Effect Robotics has officially qualified for the Ontario Provincial Championship to be held in Niagara Falls from April 16-19! At that event, the top 100 teams in Ontario will compete to see who advances to the World Championships later in April in Houston. As other teams are still competing in events until the second week of April, the final Provincial rankings are not yet available; however, it's expected the team will finish in the top 2/3.
Lake Effect Robotics is very grateful for the support! The K-F Rotary club logo is prominently displayed both in the pit area and on the event website, and the club is mentioned as one of the primary sponsors as part of the team's introduction at each competition. Wishing Team 2708 a successful competition in Niagara Falls!
Our First Movie Night, A Night to Remember, about the sinking of the Titanic was a success with 76 tickets sold filling the Providence Motherhouse to capacity. Pinwheel sandwiches provided by Susan Freitas were appreciated by movie attendees, and we had nothing but positive comments about our choice of non-alcoholic bubbly as the beverage on offer.
Thank you to Shelagh Mirski and Tannis Taylor who assembled and served the plates of Pizzeli, mini eclairs, and raspberries enjoyed by all. A big nod of gratitude for the help of all club members in making our initial movie night a huge success and especially a big thank you to the members who froze outside in the cold, directing patrons to the venue parking lots and entrances.
Lots of positive comments by our guests - truly a night to remember. The most common question….? When is the next movie night?!!
Rotary is an international network of local clubs for people who want to create lasting change and have fun doing it.
Our Vision: Together we contribute to lasting improvements in our community, internationally, and in ourselves.
Our Mission: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Our Values: We are a dedicated group of inspired individuals guided by Rotary's 4-way test and its 7 areas of focus who pursue relevant social causes to improve lives in the Kingston community and beyond.
Our club has been awarded the Bronze Award for its sustained dedication to environmental issues.
