Team 1218 Qualifies for Worlds with Swift

On the path to completing its 20th season of robotics competitions, the SCH Robotics Team 1218 is celebrating its latest achievement: qualifying for the 2024 World Championship in Houston, TX!  Because of the team’s success in earlier regional competitions, they earned the opportunity to participate in this past weekend’s FIRST’s Mid-Atlantic District Championship robotics tournament in Lehigh. After qualifying for regionals, the team revamped their Eras Tour-themed robot, “Swift,” and saw their hard work on the robot pay off. The team was thrilled with their performance during qualification matches on the first day of competition at Lehigh.

Off the field, team members connected with other teams via the 1218 Eras Tour bus, their mobile cart featuring bracelets for trading or making, face paint, glitter, custom tattoos, and T-shirts. The decked-out cart was a hit and displayed the team’s desire to connect with the FIRST community–participants and spectators.

When qualification matches ended and alliance selections began, Team 1218 was invited to join the eighth alliance alongside Team 103 and Team 2607. With a wonderful start to elimination matches and a perfectly performing robot, the eighth alliance won its first match against the highest-ranking team. Unfortunately, that alliance was later knocked out of eliminations, but not before learning they were TX-bound and had won the tournament’s Quality Award. This prestigious award celebrates machine robustness in concept and fabrication.

Two of SCH's beloved mentors (and founders of the program!) were recognized at the District Championship. Rob Ervin won the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, which celebrates "effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design." His win qualified him to be eligible to receive the award in Houston at the World Championships. In addition, mentor and chair of the department Peter Randall won the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to those who "give extraordinary contributions of time and skills to the FIRST community."

Stay tuned for news from Worlds!