FIRST in Texas Robotics Team 9121-Mavericks made a remarkable debut at the State Championship this past weekend, exhibiting exceptional teamwork and strategic skill on a competitive field.
The Mavericks impressed spectators with their coordination during matches. Using a swerve drive, the team was able to navigate the playing field, enabling fast cycle times and defense maneuvers. Their arm and shooter mechanisms allowed for efficient ground intake, and scoring into the speaker, and the strategic sharing of play pieces with alliance members to optimize cycle times.
"We are proud of how well our teamwork came together during the matches," said Team Captain, Steven Perez. "Our swerve drive really gave us an edge, and gave us the ability to move quickly and strategically around the field."
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Having utilized the same robot throughout the season, the team faced durability issues during the State Championship. Impacts during matches took a toll on the robot, leading to instances where parts became incapacitated mid-match, resulting in slower movement and impacting their overall strategy.
"We encountered some issues with durability during the competition," explained Nathan Mersino, lead programmer. "One of our swerve modules was damaged during a match, hindering our movement. Another example is when the bolts and plexiglass on our shooter started to loosen which made it difficult to get enough torque to shoot at a fast enough velocity.”
Despite these challenges, the Mavericks maintained their spirit and determination, demonstrating resilience and adaptability throughout the competition.
In a field of 84 talented teams, Team 9121-Mavericks secured a commendable 29th place finish, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
"The State Championship was an incredible experience for us," said team member Daniel Choi.
With their impressive performance and unwavering determination, FIRST in Texas Robotics Team 9121-Mavericks has undoubtedly left a mark on the State Championship and is poised for continued success in future competitions.