The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Outlaw Robotics team 8023 placed fourth out of 24 teams in a tough competition at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech League Championship on January 16 in Hood River.

The team now advances to the next level, the FTC Oregon Super Qualifier Tournament, February 13-14 in Hillsboro.

Coach Jirka Novotny said, "This is a great achievement especially for our young team of four freshmen and two 7th-graders: David Novotny, Spencer Bordonaro, Tyler Wonderly, Wyatt Adams, Corbin Johnson and Aiden Cummings. We're a small community team with limited means up against strong competitors who have outstanding support and big corporate sponsors."

The Outlaw Robotics team earned the Motivate Award, which celebrates teams that show team spirit and enthusiasm. The judges described Sisters Outlaw Robotics team as "a big voice in a small community," valuing the team's enthusiasm, inclusiveness, mentoring of younger teams, and involvement within the community. The team also received the 3rd-place Inspire Award. Teams receiving this award serve as an inspiration to what the FIRST Tech program and the young minds involved can accomplish.

All members of the Sisters Outlaw Robotics team thanked their sponsors for supporting their team: ORTOP, Sisters Science Club, Tim Wonderly Painting Co., Sisters Bakery, Peak Performance Physical Therapy of Redmond, Catherine Zwicker and Pacwest Custom Homes. The robotic team is seeking additional sponsors to help them cover expenses for the upcoming tournament in February. Contact them at http://www.sistersrobotics.com.

"We also want to thank all of our parents for their encouragements and everyday support," said captain David Novotny on behalf of all of the team members.

The Sisters Outlaw Robotics team will be at the Sisters Science Fair next month.