Digital Dislocators make it into finals at Worlds!

submitted by Andy Galicki, Manchester Digital Dislocators

The official 2024 season has finally come to an end, but the Digital Dislocators have ended it on a high note!

This week the team traveled all the way to Houston, Texas to take part in the FIRST Robotics World Championship where 600 teams from around the planet competed against each other across eight divisions to try and claim the title.

After a long two days of qualification matches we were able to finish with a record of 7-3 and secure a ranking of 18/75 in the Galileo division and were chosen by 1023 | Bedford Express to be a part of the fourth alliance alongside 2468 | Team Appreciate and 868 | TechHOUNDS. Y'all were the most amazing alliance partners and we are so happy that we were able to compete with you!

As we moved into the divisional playoffs we were able to win our first match, but were unfortunately defeated in our second, dropping us into the lower bracket. From there, we re-grouped and were able to overcome the remaining three alliances and earn our spot in the finals! Our alliance gave it everything we had, leaving everything out on the field, but ultimately could not overcome the strength of the opposing first alliance. Congratulations to 2056 | OP Robotics 987 | HIGH ROLLERS 1577 | Steampunk and 7558 | ALT-F4 on the division win! It was so much fun battling it out with you!

Along with being Galileo division finalists, the Digital Dislocators were also chosen to be the recipients of the Team Spirit award, which celebrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit through exceptional partnership and teamwork furthering the objectives of FIRST.

Of course, we need to give all of the thanks in the world to our parents who help plan our meals, assist with logistics, and overall just make the team's life easier.

Additionally, we have received so much support from our sponsors, both old and new alike, and none of these accomplishments would have been possible without each and every one of you!

This year has been the most incredible journey, and we absolutely cannot wait to see what the future holds.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.