From staff reports
Franklin High School’s VEX robotics team wrapped up its 2017-18 campaign at the Western Pennsylvania State Championships held Saturday at Keystone Oaks High School in Pittsburgh. The three Franklin teams – 814F, 814H, and 814K – consisted of 13 FHS students.
Franklin teams were seeded 7th , 9th , and 29th in the field of 34 after their sixth qualification matches. In the quarterfinal matches, team 814H ended the season of their schoolmates on team 814F. 814K and 814F were then both eliminated in the quarterfinals of the elimination rounds.
Although Franklin did not leave with an invitation to VEX Worlds held in Louisville, Kentucky, they did leave with two event awards.
Team 814F was presented with the Build Award. This award is presented to a team that built a well-crafted and constructed robot that shows attention to detail. Judges looked for robots that have a professional feel and quality to them, with clear attention to detail and construction, efficient use of mechanical and electrical components, and reliability on the competition field.
First year team, 814K was presented the Judges Award. This award is presented to a team that the judges feel are worthy of special recognition. Judges consider a number of possible criteria, such as team displays of special attributes, exemplary effort and perseverance at the event, and team accomplishments throughout the season.
Franklin’s teams will graduate three seniors – Kiaran Rios, Adam Taylor and Trevor Wood. All three will be majoring in engineering, with Rios focusing on a future in robotics.
