Ferradermis, Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6574, wrapped up their summer off-season competitions with a championship at MROC, the Mukwonago Robotics Off-Season Competition, on Sunday, July 24, at Mukwonago High School. This was the second weekend in a row in which Ferradermis was part of the winning alliance after leading the championship alliance at the Lakeshore Invite in Manitowoc on July 16.
Sunday’s competition brought together 18 high school robotics teams with 20 robots from across Wisconsin and Illinois. Both Ferradermis and host the Mukwonago Bears fielded two robots, having done summer projects to experiment with a different type of drive base. Among the 18 teams were five teams that had won a regional championship during the regular season, so the competition was intense all day long.
Ferradermis’ main robot was ranked #2 after the qualification rounds and was invited to join the #1-seeded alliance led by the #1 ranked team, Team #2202 BEAST Robotics from Brookfield Central and Brookfield East. The two teams then invited Team #1792 Round Table Robotics from Oak Creek to round out the alliance. The alliance earned a bye in the quarterfinals, and then went 2-0 in each of the best of three semifinals and finals to claim the championship.
Ferradermis’ second robot (operating as #9574) was ranked in the low teens after qualifications and was the second pick of the #4-seeded alliance, joining alliance captain Team #2451 PWNAGE from St. Charles, Illinois, and Team #1732 Hilltopper Robotics from Marquette University High School. This alliance fell to the #1 alliance in the semi-finals as the two Ferradermis robots faced off.
Summer off-season competitions are a great way for younger members to get more hands on with the robots and gain some experience as part of a drive team. Ferradermis will welcome new members in September. Freshmen will be able to indicate their interest during the Freshman Activities Fair on the first day of school, and older students should watch for signs and announcements or reach out to a current member. Parents or students with questions can email Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
