ESCANABA — There’s a lot that goes into competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Once the robot is built, the team begins to strategize on how to beat the other teams.

That is what Nick Valiquette concentrates on when the competition begins. The tenth grade student at Escanaba High School is the Robomos Drive team Coach competing at the district competition this weekend in Escanaba.

He stands behind the drivers and works on strategy to gain an edge on the competition.

“I coordinate with the other teams as well as ours to see where we start on the field and how we are going to attack the game,” he said.

 

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There are six teams on the field for each match. Three teams compete against the other three teams. Valiquette said the three teams try to figure out how they can compliment each other.

“It’s not just you as much as you want it to be. This game is called Arial Assist. They really emphasis the assist thing. It’s all about working with the other teams,” said Valiquette.

The goal was to throw large balls into scoring areas. They are judged on scores and penalties. Valiquette collects information on the other teams to see how they might fit in with the strengths of the Escanaba team.

“We have people walk around and ask every single person what can your robot do,” Valiquette said.

The Robomos have a robot with catapult throwing arm that allows them to score high goals. It has a fast pick up and is able to move forward and sidewalks without turning

During the first day of competition the Robomos won the first two matches. They had two losses in first day. Valiquette says they are hoping for a top spot going into day two of competition.