Team 1678 Citrus Circuits of Davis led the first place alliances at two post-season competitions this fall. The first was the Chezy Champs, hosted in Bellarmine College Prep School in San Jose. In addition to winning the tournament, Citrus Circuits was also awarded the Gracious Professionalism award for helping to repair other teams robots during the event and for their exceptional outreach programs to their community. This outreach includes hosting a camp promoting STEM for women at UC Davis, a mobile application that helps Davis Police Officers find homeless shelters with open beds, and helping new robotics teams of all ages to start in Davis and Woodland.
The second was at the Capital City Classic held at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove. In addition to leading the winning alliance at the competition, Citrus Circuits also won an award for the most innovative robot design..
One of the teams present at the tournament was Team 5458 WP Robotics, made up of members from Pioneer and Woodland High Schools in Woodland. To promote their passion of robotics beyond their community, Citrus Circuits started and mentored the team at the beginning of this school year. The Woodland team advanced into the semi-finals in their first-ever competition.
When asked what she thought about her first event, WP Robotics captain, Christine Pamplona said “I feel it’s a challenge, but also a very enjoyable experience, being able to work with other teams. As a rookie team, we hope we can work our hardest and try our best and compete with other teams.”
Citrus Circuits looks forward to taking their confidence of winning first place in their two fall tournaments into the Madtown Throwdown to be held at Madera High School November 7 to 9. Citrus Circuits and WP Robotics will get a new game challenge on January 3 to be completed by February 17. The regional competitions will be held in March and April with the World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri April 22-25.
Citrus Circuits is composed of High School and Junior High students from Da Vinci Charter Academy, Davis Senior High School, Harper Jr. High School, Emerson Jr. High School, Holmes Jr. High School, and Davis Independent Study. The team is coached by Davis Senior High School teacher Steve Harvey and mentored by team alumni, parents, and various other college students. The team has moved the DHS campus into a larger shop area and separate classroom. Learn more about the team at www.citruscircuits.org
The team is looking for both mentors and students interested in developing an entrepreneurial business plan, promoting a successful program to the community, filming and editing videos for presentations and web display, and creating graphic arts for shirts and banners. Who would have thought robotics needs all of these?
