Bovine Intervention went big at the Baltimore Convention Center for the Chesapeake Regional FIRST robotics competition on April 12 – 13 by going undefeated in 8 qualification rounds and making it to the semi-finals. After literally flying in this year’s game of ultimate ascent, Bovine Intervention did the best in team history since its inception in 2001.

“If you don’t study failure, you won’t advance,” said Mr. Bergeron.

“Ultimate Ascent” is the name of the game this year for FIRST robotics competitions. This game consists of robots shooting Frisbees at multiple goals, climbing pyramids, and working together not only as a team, but as an alliance with other teams.

FIRST stands for “For Inspiration Recognition Science Technology” and their mission is to connect with role models and teach students how to solve nearly impossible problems and challenges. In 1989, founder Dean Kamen, recognized that there needed to be a motivating way for young people to take interest in science and technology. FIRST has a number of robotics programs including Junior FIRST LEGO League for ages 6-9, FIRST LEGO league for ages 9-16, FIRST tech challenge for high school students, and FIRST robotics competition also for high school students.

Earlier this month, Team 686 participated in the FIRST robotics competition in the Chesapeake and Washington, D.C. regional. Bovine Intervention was still in need of fine tuning.

At the Washington, D.C. Regional on March 29 and March 30, Bovine Intervention received 41st out of 58 teams, but, unfortunately, did not make it to elimination rounds.

With Team 686’s head still held high won their way at the Chesapeake regional to 1st place in qualification rounds out of 64 teams. Through taking failure from Washington, they were able to make a phenomenal machine.

“This was one of our best years ever,” said Chase Manny, an Oakdale senior.

Linganore, Oakdale and Urbana students join together to make up the team.  The team is coached by Mr. John Bergeron.  Local engineers, Mr. Schnur, Mr. MaCubbins, Mr. Heitzler, and Mr. Josh Bergeron help at the afternoon practices. Students can have a hands on experience with building the robot for competitions. If you find that you are interested in this team, you can contact Mr. Bergeron; they are always looking for more students.

There is a six-week period for teams competing in FIRST to build their robot. There are rules and limitations to what parts you can and cannot use in the competition. There is also a spending limit to how much you are allowed to spend on the robot.

Before competition for the Chesapeake Regional, teachers and staff members wore cow tags to show support for the robotics team. The cow tags had the number 686 representing the team’s number for competition.

“I enjoy it, I think it’s great to watch the growth and maturity of the students throughout the year and their four years participating in FIRST,” said Mr. Schnur.

The team also plans to reach out to the community and teach other kids and students about engineering. The team goes to science fairs, STEM nights (Science Technology Engineering Math), take your child to work days, and other events.

“We want to promote technology to younger kids,” said Manny.