Robotics Competition

The B.E.S.T. state robotics competition made a huge impression on Dorito and his teammates. They drove to Sedalia on Friday night for the opening ceremonies (and ordered pizza from their hotel rooms). Early on Saturday, they were given three time trials. Their robot struggled because the obstacle course was on carpet (and they had no idea to expect that). This was their first year to enter BEST. While 17 teams enrolled with a start-up kit, only 10 teams actually finished their robot in the 6-week time period and brought it to the competition. Although Hillyards didn't place in the top five, Dorito was pleased how many  compliments were made about their design (an octagon-shaped base that fit into the 23-inch dimensional limits). They were also glad about the friendliness of the other teams in the display booth area (lights and give-aways? Wow. One school brought their cheerleaders and mascot to cheer their robotics team.)