SAA Robotics Teams Claim Innovate and Judges Awards at Monster Bots VEX IQ Tournament

Posted October 29, 2024

San Antonio Academy welcomed 26 elementary and middle school robotics teams from public and private schools across the region for a day of innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning at the “Monster Bots” VEX IQ Robotics Tournament. This spooky-themed event held on Saturday, October 26, offered students the opportunity to put their knowledge and creativity to the test as they showcased their custom-designed robots and competed in various challenges that highlighted their technical, teamwork, and strategic planning skills.

Under the guidance of robotics teachers Cathy Baumgardner and Tyna Powers, five San Antonio Academy robotics teams took part in the event. Participants spent the day tackling a series of challenge matches, while volunteer judges also reviewed their engineering notebooks, observed team performances, and conducted team interviews to better understand each team's design process and gameplay strategies.

As the tournament concluded, a series of awards were presented to standout teams. San Antonio Academy’s “Wildcats A Team” earned the Innovate Award, given to a team that develops and documents a unique or uncommon aspect in their team’s design or gameplay strategy. This team self-identified this aspect for judges, and has documented this aspect in their Engineering Notebook. They also utilized independent inquiry to explore and develop this aspect from its initial conception through its current implementation. The Wildcats A Team is comprised of Ford A., Luke B., Marvelous B., Holden D., and Dixon W. Though not present at the event, Peter Z. and Esai H. are also part of the team.

In another victory for SAA, the “Wildcats E Team” took home the Judges Award, given to a team that is deserving of special recognition. Judges consider several criteria for this award, including exemplary effort and perseverance at the event, team accomplishments, or other attributes that may fall outside of specific award categories. The Wildcats E Team is comprised of Caleb H., James M., Kolt K., Vihaan S., and Henry W.

SAA's robotics program is one of The Academy’s many programs primarily funded by The Academy Fund, SAA’s annual giving campaign. Each year, gifts to The Academy Fund make a significant difference at San Antonio Academy by providing valuable resources and opportunities that turn the expected into the exceptional. For more information, visit www.sa-academy.org/academyfund.
 

View more event photos in the Flickr gallery below