![Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. "This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school," Williams said.](https://www.utimesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9117-1200x800.jpg)
University City is home to the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Regional Robotics champions. The Robo-Lions, a team just two years in the making, won the Regional competition in mid-March along with allied teams 1985 from Hazelwood Central and 3284 from Camdenton, Missouri. The event took place at the Chaifetz Arena.
“Last year we won the award for the highest ranked rookie seed,” said sophomore Mike Sarber. “We got fifth place and were eliminated in the semifinals. This year we won the competition.”
The Robo-Lions used a new robot to win, Quorra, in the competition who is named after the female lead from James Cameron’s Avatar.
“FIRST has guidelines for the robots,” said Sarber. “Quorra includes the basic design for the chassis. We’re making modifications to make her a more defensive robot and become a more defensive asset for the team.”
As per the rules of the competition, the Robo-Lions and two other randomly selected teams were paired together in a three-team alliance, which competed against other alliances in order to progress through the rounds.
“Your team scores points by hanging differently shaped inner tubes on hooks,” said Sarber. “You win the game by scoring the most points in two minutes, and you advance to the next round when you win two out of three games.”
The Edward Jones Dome and America’s Center will host the upcoming World Championships from April 26-30. Hundreds of teams from countries including the United States, Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands will attend the World Championships.
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