Robotics team starts off strong in district competition

The entire coalition — Pioneer, Manchester, and Mason. photo courtesy Scott Somerville

submitted by Andy Galicki

The Digital Dislocators traveled to Columbia Central High school this weekend for our first district competition. For the first time in team history, we were able to finish qualification matches with a perfect 12-0 record, and were ranked first overall out of 40 teams in attendance.

We chose teams 1076 | Pi Hi Samurai from Pioneer High School, and 8424 | Tractor Technicians in Training, from Mason to form our playoff alliance. Together, we continued our undefeated streak, sweeping the double elimination bracket 5-0 and winning the event with a total record of 17 wins and 0 losses!

We also were the recipient of the Quality award, which celebrates machine robustness in concept and fabrication.

Additionally, after the five district competitions that occurred this weekend, the Digital Dislocators are ranked first in the state out of the approximately 243 teams that have competed so far!

The team would like to thank all of our amazing sponsors for their support that allows us to continue providing hands-on STEM experiences to the students in our community.

We would also like to say thank you to all of the wonderful students, mentors, and parents for all of their continued time and dedication to the Manchester FIRST Robotics program. None of this would be possible without you!

The next competition for the Digital Dislocators will be March 28-30 at East Kentwood high school in Kentwood.

The Digital Dislocators, #6081. Photo by Scott Somerville

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.