Lost River, Bonanza, Mazama Robotics Teams Compete at State
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Schools continue to build up programs
This school year has been one of rebuilding for VEX Robotics teams from Lost River, Mazama and Bonanza high schools. But that didn’t keep students from accomplishing big wins at the Oregon state competition on March 10.
Teams from Lost River, Bonanza and Mazama competed in the Oregon VEX State Championships against 84 teams. Teams previously competed against 110 teams statewide in West Salem, Marcola and Sandy, building up to the state championship. This year’s competition was titled “VEX In the Zone.”
Lost River Jr./Sr. High School’s Robotics I team took home the champion trophy in the bronze division. Rey Espinoza, Ryan Asbill, and Giovanny Perez communicated with other teams and finished strong on top of their division.
Lost River’s Robotics II team won the Judges’ Trophy. The Judges trophy is an award that is up to the tournament judges’ discretion and is based upon performance, work ethic, interview skills, sportsmanship, notebook and design. This is the second time the team made up of Giselle Cobian, Yajaira Cobian, and Ximena Lemus won this award at a tournament. They previously won in
Marcola.
Bonanza Jr./Sr. High School’s team took second place in the bronze division. The team was made up of Brandon Bailey, Chris Eck, Jacy Wasoski, Blake Stanley, Angela Kelley and Cassidy Byrne.
“They have steadily improved throughout the season and played some amazing games,” said Bonanza coach Samantha Fields. “This has been a great start for the team and all six are looking to return next year even more determined to bring home a trophy.”
Mazama’s team took fourth place in the gold division and won the gold bracket Excellence Award. Trey Wortman, Jake Healy, Sapphire Morris, Markus Patton and Gordon McCrey are in their first year of competition. The Excellence Award was a big accomplishment for the team.
The Excellence award is the highest award presented in the Vex Robotics Competition, the VEX guidelines state. This award is presented to a team that exemplifies overall excellence in creating
a high quality VEX Robotics Program.
“I’m proud of their growth this season,” said Mazama coach Laura Nickerson. “They all contributed equally and we are thrilled to win the
Excellence Award.”
Lost River’s second Robotics II team did not place, but competed in the most difficult division, the platinum division. Lalo Murillo, Israel Ruedas, Brian Abarca had previously earned judges awards and
trophies at the West Salem tournament.
“Their biggest skill this year was being able to adapt to the needs of their alliances, which are randomly selected during pool play, and then are chosen by order of ranking for the tournament at every event,” said Lost River coach Laurie Ross
This press release was compiled from notes by the three robotics coaches, Laurie Ross, Laura Nickerson and Samantha Fields. Those coaches also provided photos from the event. Press release provided from the Klamath County School District.