by Katie Kresly.
Over the weekend, the High Tekerz robotics team brought home the coveted FIRST Robotics District Championship Award plus the Rising Star Award. Both awards were a testament to the team’s “never quit” attitude and resilience despite overwhelming obstacles.
Challenges at the tough competition were expected; the team had been preparing for months with their coaches and dedicated mentors. They had built a robust machine that was ready for the toughest trials.
However, the team almost didn’t have a chance to show off their latest tech creation. Coach David Dammann told us that on the way to Oregon, another vehicle cut him off and damaged the trailer that was transporting all of the Tekerz’s equipment and tools. There was no easy path to reach the event, and time was of the essence.
Fortunately, with only short notice and a 7AM start deadline, several team supporters drove hours to reload and transport the equipment the rest of the way.
The equipment barely arrived in time, but it was obvious that the young team was no longer as prepared as they had hoped. This is when the real teamwork and collaboration happened.
According to team mentor Raj Nahal, when other teams heard that their trailer had broken down, “15 teams came to our pit to help,” providing tools and assistance. He described the “grit” of the young team members as they refused to give up, adding that robotics is “more than just the robots.”
Nahal, a 2013 graduate of Highline High School, was one of the founding student members of the High Tekerz robotics club which was created in 2011 through the Highline School District. He beamed with excitement as he described the dynamics of the collaboration and the resilience he sees in the team; the willingness to support each other.
Dammann told us that while robotics is competitive, it’s more of a “friendly competition.” Teams learn from and support each other at these events, and this is where young minds come to learn and improve together. Robots are only the vehicle.
Coach Dammann pointed out that winning this district competition is a “rare event – the team has only won once before in 15 years!” (They won the top award in 2019).
He shared that along with the team’s “never quit” attitude, they arrived with a robust robot design. While other teams were busy fixing their competition robot between events, the Tekerz beefy model did not require repairs, giving them a distinct advantage.
The second recognition, the “Rising Star Award,” was new this year. It honored a new (or recently restarted) team that showed the most promise for future success, especially post-covid.
According to David, the Highline-based team has been attracting more students, especially from Highline Schools. He says the current robotics students are excited about reengaging in a physical, social experience, and they want to share it with their friends.
This resilient robotics team is currently leasing space from the Highline School District at the former New Start/Salmon Creek Elementary building.
If you would like to learn more about the Tekerz robotics team, feel free to contact Coach David Dammann at TekerzRobotics@gmail.com or 360-970-5637.
