RoboChargers win state championship

EMMETT J. CONRAD HIGH SCHOOL

From Dallas ISD Staff Reports

For the first time in school history, the Emmett J. Conrad High School RoboChargers have been crowned UIL Robotics State Champions, after competing with 80 of the highest-ranked teams in Texas. Despite an initial tournament record of 8-4, the RoboChargers rallied for a 10-match winning streak to secure their division and continued undefeated in the double-elimination tournament to win it all.

Claiming their place as not only the best in Texas but number five in the world, they are headed to the FIRST Robotics Championship.

“Up until the first Saturday in January, we had no idea what we were going to build, and none of these kids could have imagined what they were going to do. And now they’re headed to a world championship with a new level of confidence,” said Texas Instruments lead mentor Rachel Moore.

In 2009 when the team was established, they had no idea that they would have the support, sponsorships, and accolades they have today.

“The single-handed reason we’re doing so well is because of the mentors and support from our Conrad team and Dallas ISD. The students feel incredibly supported and welcomed by the patience, time and hard work of the robot builders, programmers, machinists and everyone in the room, and it makes them better competitors and all-around better people,” said Robotics Coach Rex Less.

Matches last for exactly two minutes and 30 seconds, so confidence, camaraderie and trust are pivotal to making the team and robot function. From the scouts who can sit and study the competition for hours on end, to the pit workers who have two minutes to make repairs, to the media team that must know the ins and outs of the robot, and the driver responsible for operating the machine, the team must be in sync during matches.

What makes this world-qualifying team even more phenomenal is that it was assembled just a year ago after officially returning from the pandemic.“There were a few scary moments, but we knew we were going to come out on top or close to it because we’ve been consistent with our scoring in previous competitions all season,” said junior Asa S.

After getting a few matches under their belt, their nerves began to diminish, and their confidence started to shine more and more. “I was always pretty confident in our robots’ abilities and, as a scout, I see the raw data, so I wasn’t too surprised. But it was a surreal moment, and I am very proud,” said sophomore Josmark G.

These students work extremely hard day in and day out to perfect their craft and be the absolute best they can be, and they work even harder to create an inclusive team-oriented space.

“There is a specialty for everyone in STEM and robotics, and everyone deserves a chance to build a robot,” said senior Samuel H.

Asked if he was nervous about the upcoming world competition, Josmark G, with a smirk on his face, uttered two words: “I’m confident,” and metaphorically dropped the mic.

The RoboChargers will compete in the FIRST Robotics Championship in Houston, from April 19 through April 22, with hopes of closing out their season as world champions.

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