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Robotics is an exciting topic, as it covers a lot of team-building exercises. Building a robot isn’t easy, as it requires a lot of skill, but for LSHS head robotics coach, Dave Lount, this is something that the team thrives on. However, as there is a lot of skill involved, there are a lot of skilled people needed.
Lount, who was questioned about what it takes to join the team, said, “No tryouts, any who wants to join is welcome.”
This is good information because if you’ve encountered an experience that is open to all grade levels, then the interest in that will be tremendous. As there is the fact that if you’re a complete beginner in robotics, this team environment is perfect for you. After all, it will open you up to the possibilities of moving forward with robotics.
“Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of high school students are challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other teams, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team ‘brand,’ and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community,” Lount said.
Members are faced with a tough challenge, then that could help shape the team’s chemistry.
Lount spoke about some of the robotics team’s accomplishments. He said, “Our biggest accomplishment came last year. It was making it to the playoff rounds in our first competition.”
This is a big confidence boost for the team, which is vital to building a winning program.
However, this isn’t easy, as there is some intense competition. This will lead to a requirement of having a set of people who have good confidence, and some good chemistry.
“The skills required are hard work, and the team members must be willing to learn,” Lount said. If a team has good chemistry, they’ll have good confidence, as stated earlier.
Lount is encouraging any interested student to join robotics.
Lount gave some insight into team competitions. He said, “All teams are given the same challenge in January. We must build the robot and have it ready for competitions by March.”
This is vital to the program as if the team gets to the highest level of their competition, then they’ll need to perform at their highest level.
“We have two competitions with other high schools. One at Troy Athens and one at Macomb Community College,” Lount said.
This information is vital because if there are fans of the robotics program, they’ll want to see their team(s) compete. These two competitions are good opportunities for robotics fans to come out and see what the different robotics teams can do.
When Lount was asked about scholarship opportunities, he said, “Yes.” This is a big piece of information, as it provides even more incentive to join, especially if there are high schoolers who are looking forward to going to a high-end college. That money could help immensely.
Lount finally said, “A team that works well together and a working robot.”
In summary, if you join Lount as a member of the LSHS robotics team, you’ll be in for an experience that will allow you to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
