Wheeler Robotics Represents Rhode Island at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship
April 25, 2024
One of Wheeler’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams, Electric Quahogs, recently earned some electrifying results at the FTC World Championship in Houston, Texas!
“Nearly 50,000 people attended the five-day championship event,” said Robotics Coach and Director of the Hirsch/Alperin Design-Innovate-Build (DIB) Lab Dylan Ryder. “In between competitions, the students from Team 252 worked diligently each day, strategizing with alliance partners, scouting and playing matches, interviewing with judges, and sharing and learning from international peers. After proudly representing Wheeler and Rhode Island against the globe’s top 230 teams from 30 countries, Team 252 placed in the 93rd percentile in Offensive Power Rating in the world and ranked 17th (of 56) in their championship division with a match play record of 6-4. They also delivered a fantastic presentation and interview that was rated as exemplary by the judges.
“Most notably, the team brought home some trophy hardware as the second-place finalist in the Connect Award for their outstanding work collaborating with STEM professionals this season,” Mr. Ryder added. “It is the first-ever award placement for a Rhode Island team at the World Championship! After an exhausting week, hearing the team’s name and ‘Wheeler School’ announced in the crowded stadium during the awards ceremony was truly a thrill!”
In reflecting on this experience, Electric Quahogs team member Sabrina G. ’26 said, “It was an amazing opportunity to meet so many people who also share a passion for robotics! I talked to students from all over the world, learned about their experiences, and gained new skills from them. I am forever grateful for the memories and bonds I made during this trip!”
Daniel D. ’25, who was named a Dean’s List Finalist as a great example of a student leader who led his team and community to increased awareness of FIRST and its mission, said the event was such a fun experience. “We got to see all of our hard work pay off, and it was incredible competing against some of the best teams in the world. After meeting so many other cool people, I’m really excited for next season.”
Another robotics team member, Charlie S. ’25, said it was amazing to experience competition on a global level. “Getting to compete as a driver at Worlds was really incredible!”
Congratulations to all the members of Team 252 Electric Quahogs, who included Mayte S. ’24, Beatrice S. ’24, Lily T. ’24, Daniel D. ’25, Aaron F. ’25, Charlie S. ’25, Sabrina G. ’26, Luyao L. ’26, Kailash S. ’27, Amelia C. ’27, Arjun D. ’27, and Kilian M. ’27, as well as Coach Ryder and the entire Wheeler Robotics Program!
