Robotics switches to First Tech

After many years of participating in BEST Robotics Inc., Olney Robotics has switched to First Tech Challenge. Current participants in the competition include Caleb Johnson, Aidyn Bitner, Jaxx Laurent, Ben Baran, Marlee Lane, and Ryan Conder.

“I am excited to learn about this new competition, First Tech Challenge,” Coach Sabrina Laurent said. “The learning and competition season is longer and it’s more of a year-round program.”

FTC has already begun, and currently the students are in the build and practice season that spans from September to January. Next up is the qualifying season, which spans from October to March. If a team advances past the qualifying season, it is off to Regional and State Championships. The teams that win at the state level get to go to the World Championship in April.

“I hope that it gives the robotics students more opportunities to compete. In previous years, the competitions have always conflicted with band (practice), so we are hoping to reduce that with the new competition,” Laurent said. “This competition is also closer to home so that is another plus.”