Robotics Team members participating in the regional tournament were (from left) moderator Mr. Mel Triay ’03, Conner Hartupee, Michael Riddick, Julian Mahfouz, Todd Crabtree, Michael Belanger, Andrew Vuong, moderator Mr. Kyle White, Steven Stradley, John Crowson, and moderatorMr. Eric Leefe ’03. (Not pictured: Emory Ducote.)

Blue Jay Robotics teams placed first and second in the inaugural Louisiana First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Tournament held in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Dec. 13. Out of 18 registered teams from across south Louisiana and Texas, both Jesuit teams advanced from opposite sides of the bracket to the finals match. The Blue Jays’ Team 6448 alliance with a school from Texas won the best two out of three games in the finals. At this tournament, Jesuit qualified a second team for the Southeast Texas Regional Championship on Feb. 21 at San Jacinto College.

Seniors Michael Belanger, Michael Riddick, sophomore Todd Crabtree, and freshman Emory Ducote participated in the tournament as team 6448 winning for their first time, the Inspire Award. The Inspire Award is the highest level of achievement at an FTC competition; it incorporates the elements of all other award categories by recognizing excellence in performance, robot design, and teamwork. Senior Bryan Jones, unable to attend, contributed to winning this award.

In addition to the Inspire Award, Team 6448, by advancing to and winning the finals match, also earned the Louisiana Qualifying Tournament Winning Alliance Award.

Seniors Conner Hartupee, Steven Stradley, junior Andrew Vuong, and sophomores John Crowson and Julian Mahfouz participated in the tournament as Jesuit’s newest team, Team 9400. In addition to winning the Louisiana Qualifying Tournament Finalist Alliance Award, Team 9400 (a.k.a. Team Epsilon) also won the Connect Award.

For their next competition, both teams will travel to Hamshire, Texas to participate in another tournament on Jan. 17. Hamshire-Fannett High School will host the event.

The Robotics Club is co-moderated by Mr. Kyle White, Mr. Eric Leefe ’03, and  Mr. Mel Triay ’03.