At a Competition Far Far Away

By the Media Subteam

The Foley Freeze is gearing up to participate in some exciting upcoming competitions. Competitions are always an electrifying time for young engineers because they build up the FIRST community and promote leadership, innovation, and teamwork. Senior Kevin Kendro and Junior Jonathan Graettinger are especially anticipating working in the pit this year at competitions. We will be putting our Infinite Recharge robot to the test in 3 District and Regional competitions that can qualify us for the Michigan State Championship and, eventually, the World Championship. Written by Aranza Stanton

This year will be our first time attending a competition at Macomb Community College. This campus is also progressive in STEM initiatives, thanks to their Center for Advanced Automotive Technology, and STEM-based programs for children. Although this is our first “week 1” competition in several years, we hope to start the season off strong. We are expecting hefty competition from the other 39 FRC teams attending, but we will be prepared and ready for any challenges that may face us. Written by Thomas Beil

This year will mark our first return to Ohio, and the Buckeye Regional in Cleveland’s Wolstein Center, since 2015. As our annual planned travel competition, team members are excited to stay overnight in downtown Cleveland. It is our first time out of state in two years, and our first Regional since 2016. In 2014, this event was the first Regional that the Foley Freeze attended since the implementation of the District system in Michigan in 2009, and we swept the competition and took home a blue banner, and an Imagery Award. It is different in-state District competitions because we compete against unfamiliar teams from anywhere in the world, and the winning alliance automatically qualifies for the World Championship. Written by Colin Graettinger

A return to the “home” competition that we have attended every year since 2009. The Troy Athens High School offers a prime venue for teams from all over Michigan to have their own space to compete to the best of their abilities and test the product of their hard work against other teams. Having previously won the event in 2014 and 2017, as well as winning Chairman’s Award at Troy in 2018, we are looking to repeat that success this year, and take Troy Athens by snow storm! Written by Henry Beil