Academy Robotics Team Earns Spot at Major Multi-State VEX IQ Robotics Event

Posted November 6, 2023

We are thrilled to share exciting news from the recent Monster Bots VIQRC Tournament held on the San Antonio Academy campus on Saturday, October 28. This event marked our first opportunity to host a Vex IQ Robotics Tournament and was a memorable day filled with robot action, teamwork, and a touch of “spooktacular” fun.

A total of 24 elementary and middle school-aged teams from local public and private schools, as well as homeschool and independent groups, participated to showcase their ingenuity and teamwork. Under the guidance of robotics teachers Cathy Baumgardner and Tyna Powers, SAA had three teams representing our school.

Of the five awards given at the conclusion of the competition, the “Design Award” went to the SAA team consisting of 5^th graders Evan R., Sammy A. and Alex L., and 6^th grader Merrit N. This award is presented to the team that demonstrates the most organized and professional approach to the design process, project and time management, and team organization.

With this achievement, the team has qualified to participate in the March 2024 CREATE U.S. Open Tournament in Iowa. One of the largest robotics tournaments in the country, this event will offer students a unique and world-class team experience. Unlike state and regional tournament events where teams compete locally, this signature event is much larger, drawing teams from different states and countries.

"Working together as a team, the guys learn so much about real-life work skills in addition to all the STEM skills involved with building and operating a reliable robot,” said Mrs. Baumgardner. “As a team, they discuss and plan their game strategy. Together, they collaborate on a design idea and work to build the robot. They learn to compromise, build on each others' strengths, and grow to appreciate each guy's unique talents. Some guys are designers, some are builders, some are coders, and others are the organizers who keep the engineering notebook. Robotics teaches so much through teamwork and competition."

We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and look forward to their journey as they continue to learn, compete, and represent San Antonio Academy on the robotics stage.

The Monster Bots VIQRC Tournament served as a stepping stone for our teams, with the potential to qualify for the Regional Championship in March 2024. We eagerly await those results, which will be announced in mid-November.

SAA's teams were:

Wildcats #1: Ford A., Holden D., Luke B., Peter Z., Marvelous B., and Anish M.

Wildcats #2: Bradley M., John K., Ethan O., Jimmy C., and Balty G.

Wildcats #3: Alex L., Evan R., Merrit N., and Sammy A.

The SAA robotics program is made possible by The Academy Fund. Academy Fund donations make a significant difference at SAA by providing valuable resources and opportunities that turn the expected into the exceptional. These gifts foster academic programs, leadership initiatives, a secure campus environment, and athletic endeavors. They guarantee that we have the means to attract, retain, and enrich the finest educators. Every gift to The Academy Fund represents a commitment to support San Antonio Academy’s mission to offer an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys. To make a gift to The Academy Fund, visit www.sa-academy.org/academyfundgifts.