Newark’s Blue Bears Take Home Gold from Mount Olive’s FIRST Robotics Competition

Blue Bears (Team #6943) consists of: Jan Balladares, Alexi Robalino, Kevin Tonacatl, Henry De Leon-Valerio, Kevin Marquez, Mariela Ortega, Cristian Torres, Vanessa Mantuano, Andres Velazquez, Zariyah Harrell, Edith Sinchi, and Francisco Serrano.

After running into several technical difficulties at last weekend’s Hatboro Horsham robotics event, the Blue Bears were able to find redemption. Newark’s Blue Bears (Team #6943) of Barringer High School were hand selected by The Tigertrons (Team #222)and Pingry Robotics (Team #2577) to form an alliance for the quarterfinals of the competition. The unstoppable trio won every match in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals (a total of six matches).

Of the 37 participating teams, this was the only alliance to leave Mount Olive with gold medals. This is an incredible victory for Barringer High School and could not be done without the determination and dedication of each and every student involved.

Mount Olive High School’s gymnasium is all set up for the competition!

During this year’s “Deep Space” theme, competitors are unable to see the field during the sandstorm phase

Working with one of our sponsors, Mo Elalem, from Picattiny Arsenal

Alexi creating a blueprint for a new robot mechanism

Students were able to utilize a state of the art machine shop

Alexi and Zariyah searching through spare parts to improve their robot’s design and durability

The Blue Bears received a personal tour of Mount Olive High School’s robotics room and facilities

Lead Coach, Victor Quesada, demonstrating “Gracious Professionalism” and giving another team a hand with their robot

Cristian keeping track of the alliances and outcomes of each qualification match

After receiving feedback from the safety advisors, the Blue Bears improved the organization and safety of their work area for day 2 of the competition.

Kevin Marquez (floral jacket), attending a team captain meeting

The Blue Bears repairing their intake mechanism between matches

Of the 37 participating teams, this was the only alliance to leave Mount Olive with gold medals. This is an incredible victory for Barringer High School and could not be done without the determination and dedication of each and every student involved.