Hazelwood West Shrapnel Sergeants Give Solid Effort at FIRST Robotics Championship

After the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics (FIRST) World Competition last weekend, the Hazelwood West Shrapnel Sergeants came home without a winning trophy, but with lots of experience.

The team finished in 52nd place out of 100 teams in their division, according to a school district press release. This was its first time competing in the world championship.

Cory Cook, Shrapnel Sergeants sponsor, said the team and their robot performed well.

“Our robot was robust, and the team was in high spirits and eager to perform,” he said. “I’m proud of the team.

"Their finish was very commendable for their first time at this competition."

Cook said as the team left the event, it was planning for future competitions and ways to improve. He said perspective from international teams also didn't hurt.

“The students also had a chance to enjoy the international flavor of the event," he said. "We had off field interactions with teams from Brazil, Israel and Canada."

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The Shrapnel Sergeants won their spot in the world championship in March during the St. Louis FIRST Robotics Competition at Chaifetz Arena.

The FIRST Robotics Competition focuses on teams of students using math and science concepts to design, build and program robots that will compete in an alliance against other teams.

More than 400 teams participated in the competition. The teams were selected from the 2,546 FRC teams in 17 countries that participated in the 77 regional and district competitions.

The Hazelwood Central RoboHawks also competed, finishing with its highest ranking in three years of competition, No. 13.