Polytechnic Puzzle Pieces
FTC #16751
We are an all-girls robotics team based in O’Fallon, IL.
Season Components
Areas of Focus
Robot Design
We design and program our robot to tackle the challenges presented each year. It’s a process that combines creativity, engineering, and problem-solving, as we work to build a robot that’s efficient and effective in completing the competition tasks.
Community Outreach
Our team is devoted to promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Through mentoring younger students, hosting events, and running outreach programs, we aim to foster a passion for robotics and technology within our community.
Mentors and Sponsorships
Our team relies on the generous support of our mentors and sponsors. Our mentors are instrumental in guiding our growth in STEM, offering expertise and valuable advice. Meanwhile, our sponsors’ contributions provide the necessary resources to build our robot and compete.
Season Overview
Timeline
Meet 1
Marion High School
Robot Design
Our robot had a spin-take that could collect the artifacts from the floor. We placed vertically-aligned wheels on the interior to assist the artifacts’ movement from the back of our robot (where they were collected) to the front of our robot (where they are shot from). We then added horizontally-aligned wheels so the balls can be shot at the goals with a high velocity. We had a Limelight camera on the front of the robot that could read the April Tags and change our shooting velocity depending on our distance from the goal. For wire management, we braided our cords, labeled them, and placed them behind our side shields.
Autonomous
We had a basic program that allowed us to move away from our starting position and park in the Shooting Zone or our Base Zone. Additionally, we had a program that could score 3 preloaded artifacts into the goal, then park in either of the spots listed above.
Performance
We won 3 matches. We lost 2 matches. We placed __ overall.
Meet 2
Metro East Lutheran High School
Robot Design
Our robot design still used a spin-take mechanism to collect the artifacts from the ground. However, we added a new 3D-printed hooded shooting mechanism on the front of our robot to improve shooting accuracy. We also upgraded our spin-take. It still had the vertically aligned wheels on the interior, but they now were rubber wheels with longer spikes rather than shorter spikes. We added a stopper to prevent the artifacts from leaving the shooter too early. We used the same method of wire management as we did before.
Autonomous
We still had a basic program that allowed us to park and the program that could shoot 3 preloaded artifacts, but we also added the option of collecting and scoring 6 artifacts (the 3 preloads and 3 additional artifacts collected from the first spike mark), then parking.
Performance
We won 3 matches. We lost 2 matches. We placed 8th overall.
Meet 3
Southwestern Illinois College
Robot Design
Updates coming after Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Autonomous
Updates coming after Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Performance
Updates coming after Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Qualifier
Wesclin Senior High School
Robot Design
Updates coming after Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Autonomous
Updates coming after Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Performance
Updates coming after Saturday, February 7th, 2026
State
Northern Illinois University
Robot Design
Updates coming if we advance to State
Autonomous
Updates coming if we advance to State
Performance
Updates coming if we advance to state
Premier Event
TBD
Coming Soon!!
Updates coming if we advance to State
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is FIRST?
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a global robotics community that advances young people in STEM education. The program allows its participants to grow their critical thinking skills and become more involved within their communities.
What is FTC?
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition for students in grades 7-12. Teams design, build, and program robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams.
Is Your Team Accepting New Members?
Yes! We are always open to having new members join us! If you are interested, please contact our coach, George Mitchom, at (618) 531-7719.
Do I Need Any Prior Experience to Join the Team?
No prior experience is required! We welcome beginners and provide hands-on training to teach you about robot construction, programming, and the competition process. Our mentors and more experienced team members are here to guide you every step of the way.
What Types of Roles Does Your Team Have?
FTC is more than just building and coding robots. The potential roles available within the team are:
- Builders
- Programmers
- Graphic Designers
- Drivers
- CAD Specialists
- Documentation Specialists
- Social Media Specialists
- Outreach Coordinators
- Strategists
How Often Does Your Team Meet?
We meet twice a week: every Sunday from 3:30-6:30 and every Tuesday from 6:00-8:00.
Location
O’Fallon, Illinois
Get in Touch
Head Coach: (618) 531-7719
Connect
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