MIDWEST REGIONAL
MARCH 2024
Entering the 5th week of competitions, our team participated in the Midwest Regional Event located in Chicago, in the Credit Union 1 Arena. With a total of 50 teams from various countries such as the US, Panama, and the Czech Republic. We had such a great opportunity to connect with teams all across the world!
PRACTICE DAY
As the venue doors opened, participants were keen to put their robots to the test, engaging in practice matches while making necessary adjustments to their robots. Alongside other teams, we prepared our robot for the official inspection before playing in practice matches. The Drive Team worked their hardest, getting the most practice possible for the big event tomorrow. By the end of the day, our members were pumped up and ready to compete in qualification matches! To show our gratitude to fellow teams, students handed out souvenirs such as team pins, leis, and chocolates while making connections with other students!
QUALIFICATION ROUNDS
On day two of the tournament, we started up qualification matches, where 3 teams on each side formed alliances to compete against each other. Alliances score points to win, which then they receive ranking points to propel their rank on the leaderboard. Preparing for our first match, our teammates made sure the robot's performance was top notch. We collaborated side by side with our alliance partners to devise strategies and ensure that we achieve success! We placed the robot on the field, making sure it is positioned perfectly for autonomous. As the match commenced, our drivers expertly maneuvered our robot to collect and deposit notes into the amplifier and speaker with remarkable agility. In a nail-biting finale, our robot secured itself onto the chain and scored through the trapdoor just as time ran out. Alongside our alliance partners, we celebrated our team's well-deserved victory as the crowd roared with enthusiasm. Our final ranking was 3rd place, with a record of 13-3-0 (win-lose-tie).
TEAM SPIRIT
As qualification matches ended, the alliance selection took place. As the third seed team, we were selected by the first seed Team 2338: Gear It Forward. Together, we teamed up with team Team 4655: Stateline Robotics. Together, we powered through and entered the playoffs with confidence and determination! Reinforced by our strategies and dedication, we came through and won the tournament! But, we didn’t end there! We were awarded with the FIRST Impact Award, the most prestigious award at FIRST, honoring the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. Special thanks to our three team members, Kayuga, Janel, and Lanikila, who worked day and night, dedicated their time and determination to honor and share our team's history.
ALLIANCE SELECTION
The Midwest Regional was an energetic and supportive environment that encouraged teams to showcase their strengths and build camaraderie by meeting and working with other teams. Thanks to our head mentor's coaching, our driver and operator, we maneuvered the robot on the field and scored notes efficiently in each game. During the tournament, we didn’t just compete but also learned from other teams as we continued through our matches. Team 359 also enjoyed watching other teams compete and noted their different strengths, making sure to scout their strategies to develop counter plans. The lessons we learned over the weekend inspired us to continue improving and innovating, while the positive atmosphere encouraged a place for cooperation and companionship.
IMUA WAIALUA
Returning home, we remain steadfast and committed to refining our robot, seeking paths for growth and development. The guidance and steadfast dedication of our mentors serve as the pillars upon which our accomplishments stand. Congratulations to all the exceptional teams that competed alongside us in the 2024 Midwest Regional. Sharing the field with such talented teams is a true honor! Taking away what we learned from the tournament, we are eager to come back even stronger at our next event, the Hawaii Regional. See you there!
FIRST IMPACT AWARD
We are so honored to have been awarded the FIRST Impact award at the Midwest Regional! The FIRST Impact Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, honoring the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. It was created to keep the central focus of FIRST Robotics Competition on the ultimate goal of transforming the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encouraging more of today’s youth to become science and technology leaders. Thank you to our students, Kayuga, Lanikila, and Janel, who worked day and night, dedicating their time and determination to honor and share our team's history. We couldn't have done this without them! We wholeheartedly thank our mentors, who motivate and encourage us to do our best and make an impact!
Check out our other FRC Competitions!