“Controlled Chaos” competed at Rhode Island FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) State Championships

On February 8, FTC Team 16610 “Controlled Chaos” competed at Rhode Island FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) State Championships. This event was held at New England Tech, and featured the best robotics teams in the state. At their qualifying event, Controlled Chaos won the Motivate Award and was ranked 7th overall, earning them the right to compete in this event. The Championship included both matches where alliances compete head to head in order to earn rank points, as well as a judged portion that takes into account team spirit, outreach into the community, mentoring to younger students, as well as cooperation with experts in the field. Because of the unique makeup of the team and their ability to successfully promote FIRST programs in the community, Controlled Chaos impressed judges immensely. For their hard work, the judges awarded them the Motivate Award, which celebrates cooperation, motivation, and community outreach.

In the robot games, Controlled Chaos competed in five qualifying matches. These matches are randomly selected, and the scouting process is crucial here. The team scouts, Blake Palma and Nate Eisel, used a scouting sheet to meet with each alliance partner and create a game strategy. This plan was then communicated to the Drive team, Hailie Padula (coach), Brian Brierly (base driver), and Haylee Mota (arm driver). Because of this team work, the drive team could successfully work with their alliance partners to win matches and earn rank points.

After all matches had been completed, the top four ranked teams each had an opportunity to select two alliance partners to compete with them in the final matches. These matches are played best two out of three, until a champion is crowned. The third place ranked team, 701 “The Gonk Squad”, selected Controlled Chaos as their third alliance partner. Together, the three teams worked together to win all but one championship match, making them State Champions. During the awards, Controlled Chaos was awarded a trophy for First Place Alliance as well as medals for each member and their team coach, Michael Padula. Because of Rhode Island’s small size, only two teams are able to move onto world championships, but Controlled Chaos was excited to see their alliance captain receive the opportunity to go and represent Rhode Island.

As the official East Providence Team, Controlled Chaos is actively recruiting new members for the upcoming season. Students from grades 7-12 are welcome to join them and learn about engineering and robotics. Contact their lead Mentor, Michael Padula for more details or message them on their official Instagram @16610_controlled_chaos. His email is mpadula79@gmail.com