By April-Joy McCann
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For the third consecutive year, MHS has hosted the VEX Robotics Tournament at the gymnasium from Oct. 19 to 20. In the second of a three-part series competition called League Play, MHS teams were ranked in the top 10 after battling contenders tougher than past opponents.
“Last year we (dominated). This year it’s more balanced, everyone’s really good,” stated VEX Robotics adviser Timothy Pregana.
In a league, teams need to compete in three weekend competitions, the first two containing nine qualifying matches and the third being comprised of two matches and an elimination round that determines which two teams earn spots for the world competition. “I think we did pretty good, I think that all of our teams, we’re still the elite teams competing in the tournament, all top 10,” explained Senior Randall Chan, 1973E team member for two years.
Having many members who have experience in VEX competitions allowed MHS teams to gain the upper hand. “I think the advantages we had is more experience because almost all our teams have seniors on them or teachers that have experienced guys, like we’re all veterans pretty much,” said Chan.
In addition to having veterans, teams also benefited from playing on their home field. “We (felt) more confident because we’re playing in our home school,” stated Freshman Ursula Stott, also a member of 1973E. “It’s different playing at our school because it’s more comfortable. You know where everything is and we set up this whole place, so you know where to go, how it runs, everything about it,” added Chan.
Although MHS teams 1973E and 1973A have earned spots in the World Championships from the Maui tournament, the other teams are hopeful in earning a spot, though the chances are unlikely. “You want all your teams to qualify for the World Championship. Realistically, is that possible? Yes. Is it slim? Yes. That’s what we want like, every teacher, every parent, every child, it’s to just be successful,” Pregana said of his hopes for his students.
The remaining MHS teams will compete in future tournaments and competitions to earn berths to the VEX Robotics World Championships to be held in April of 2013.
