Xaverian Hawk Robotics had the unique experience of hosting a FIRST FTC qualifying event for the Massachusetts State Robotics Championships on Clapboardtree Street earlier this winter. Twenty-five teams from across the state filled Xaverian’s varsity gym for "Havoc at the Hawks Nest," each competing to claim their spot in the State Championships.

When FIRST officials approached The Ryken Force* about being a sponsoring location in October, the team was ecstatic. So much so that Xaverian Robotics’ co-founder and moderator, Mr. Chris Roche, remembers the team immediately going to the gym to take measurements. “We had a lot to figure out; from the power requirements, to the layout and flow, to the wifi. But we had a lot of help,” he says. The team was given a manual to read through and worked with FIRST officials from BTI (Boston Tech Initiative), the FIRST event producers in Massachusetts, who helped them to understand how the event is run, and what everyone's roles would be.

On the day of the competition, FIRST officials were in attendance; they helped out with the event and served as referees, but it was the students who were really at the forefront of putting everything together and making sure the day ran smoothly. They worked together to set up the competition spaces according to the specific rules and regulations, ran the practice fields, controlled the sound system and the livestream camera, were game announcers, and a few were even asked to assist the FIRST Robot Inspectors with their examination of the robots. 

“We received a lot of compliments from other schools,” says Mr. Roche. “People really liked the venue, and have said that we provided a really nice atmosphere.” He also notes his appreciation to everyone who helped make this event happen. “The students, the parents, the administration, and Xaverian’s maintenance team, all helped make it a success,” he says. “It was a lot of work by a lot of people, but it turned out really well.”

And while this was a great learning experience in planning and execution of a large-scale event, it also came with an incentive for the team. By hosting this event The Ryken Force automatically qualifies to compete at the Massachusetts State Championships, which will be held in late March.