LightSaders Gain Attention in Tough Robotics Competition (By Gil Garcia, Technology Instructor)
The St. Michael's competitive robotics team, the LightSaders, advanced to the wild-card round in the First Robotics FTC competition. This was no small accomplishment, especially for a rookie team, as Austin hosts what is arguably one of the most formidable robotics leagues in the country. The Austin Metro League fields many nationally known programs each and every year, and making it out of league play is something most teams do not have the opportunity to experience. Of the 47 teams in Austin, only 12 are guaranteed slots at the Regional tournament. There are an additional 9 teams that then compete in a wild-card round of competition against other fringe teams within the region for the remaining Regional tournament spots. In their inaugural season, the LightSaders finished league play ranked 16th and entered the wild-card as one of the top remaining Austin area teams.
Beset by technical and mechanical difficulties early on, the SMCA competitive robotics team, the LightSaders, grappled their way back into contention during this weekend's wildcard tournament in San Antonio.
Their tenacity and determination did not go unnoticed as tournament leading Westlake team, Tau Manifesto, chose the LightSaders as their second alliance member for the semi-final and final portion of the tournament. Together with third alliance member school St. Dominic Savio, the Austin based trio of teams swept their semi-finals competition before advancing to the finals where they won a nail-biting best of three-game competition. Though ending regular wildcard tournament play ranked at 17th, the LightSader's play, when all systems were operational, caught the attention of several top four tournament teams, ultimately landing them in the winning alliance. The LightSaders were not just along for the ride, though, as they were on the field for three of the five victories that led the alliance to victory.
The LightSaders continue to surprise many members and observers for all they have achieved as a rookie team in what is arguably the toughest competitive robotics league in the country.
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