This is the first year the Los Angeles region has needed FTC qualifying tournaments, and PHI was honored to be asked to host one. Last weekend, January 12, we did. Thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen!
We had twenty teams attend, with nineteen competing. Although we had a lot of amazing teams there, I think the most inspiring part of my day was seeing Team 6685 from Downtown Magnet High School compete. A few days before the tournament, the team wanted to drop out, since they didn't have a robot yet, but we encouraged them to come and let us help them.
On tournament day, a lone student and mentor showed up with their kit of LEGO parts-- they hadn't unpacked the Tetrix yet. Using one of our mentors' partially built robot and some parts borrowed from Bot Squad, we built a robot that managed to pass inspection. We were thrilled when the 6-hour-old robot contributed to the LA region's record high-scoring match (236 points) by allowing Inspire award winner Suitbots to lift them 17 inches off the ground. Team 6685 also won a special judged award, the Spirit of FIRST Award, and qualified for regionals.
I'd have to say that our tournament was a lot of fun, and hopefully all the teams that came would agree. Let's make next time even better!
