Come Hang with Us!
Team 2337 built their 2010 Breakaway robot to perform a specific strategy: support other robots. Despite several attempts throughout their two Michigan District events, the EngiNERDs were unable to carry out a successful suspension. During qualification match 80 of the Michigan State Championship, Team 2337 was able to pull off the first Suspension in the State, along with the help of Team 2959, The Robotarians from Coloma, MI. (photo credit: Daniel Ernst)
The suspension turned out to be one of the highlighted match finales of the Michigan State Championship, causing nearly all of the onlookers in the arena to rise to their feet and erupt in cheers and Patrons in the arena and pit area to rush to the field to witness the spectacle first hand. You can check out the video of this awesome match in High Definition on You Tube.
The EngiNERDs had a successful trip to the Michigan State Championship, finishing with a record of 7 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties throughout the qualification matches, and were ranked as the 10th seed going into Alliance selection. Team 2337 advanced to 8th place Alliance Captain and used scouting data to choose an alliance of Team 2619, “The Charge” from Midland, and Team 226, “The Hammerheads” from Troy. This alliance went on to face the number one seeded alliance of Team 1918, “NC Gears” from Newaygo County, along with Team 469 “Las Guerrillas” and Team 2834 the “Bionic Barons,” both from Bloomfield Hills. Team 2337 and their cohorts were eliminated from the competition by the first seeded teams in two well-played matches, but a great time was had by all.
Team 2337 experienced many successes throughout the competition that were unrelated to the performance of the Robot, including Assistant Safety Captain David Butler’s reception of “Safety Star” on Friday. David was awarded this acknowledgement by the Michigan State Championship Safety Advisors for his, “noteworthy contribution to promoting a culture of safety and [as] a person that the rest of the FIRST community should emulate.” David was highlighted in the Pit Administration Station, and received a pin to wear in identification of his hard work.
Though the EngiNERDs did not receive any awards from the judges, they did earn the most coveted prize in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a bid to the World Championship Event, also known as “Nationals,” in Atlanta. Their stellar performance at the Kettering University District and the Ann Arbor District competitions coupled with their record at the Michigan State Championship earned Team 2337 a slot in the competition at the Georgia Dome and pit area in the World Congress Center. This is the second time that the EngiNERDs will be attending the Championship event since their Rookie year in 2008.
The students on the Grand Blanc High School Robotics Team experienced the true purpose of Gracious competition, through their participation in activities such as playing “Ninja” with students from other teams, having meals on the lawn and cheering in the stands with others, and of course, the floor is Lava!
Team 2337 would like to thank the Students, Mentors, Parents, friends, and family who made the Michigan State Championship Competition such a success. Your dedication and perseverance has helped the team rise to a high level of competitiveness, graciousness, and camaraderie. Thank you for all that you do. And of course, we’ll be seeing you in Atlanta!
It's getting down to the wire and all of the groups have been working hard every night. I, personally, have been working with our Operator Interface Control and the Boot/Ball Handler groups. These guys are most definitely working hard to get it together for some testing before we ship. Since I don't know much about building, I have been lurking around the back room, soaking up all the knowledge I can get. 
strong leadership and commitment from mentors and the high school.