Brunswick Eruption 2015- Build Freshman Perspective

Three, Two, One…Rush! Nemesis competed at the 2015 Brunswick Eruption Competition this past weekend with high hopes. With new drivers and excited freshmen, the team could not wait to compete. Sitting eagerly in the stands, awaiting the first round of matches with scouting papers at hand, the freshmen were eager to witness their first Brunswick Eruption.

The new members arrived at North Brunswick High School with wide eyes and boundless energy, excited to attend a competition and truly understand the FIRST Robotics experience. The 2015 challenge, Recycle Rush, consists of two alliances with three robots each. Robots score points by stacking gray totes on scoring platforms, capping those stacks with green recycling containers and placing a pool noodle, representing litter, to obtain the maximum number of points. Teams can gain additional points by launching litter to the other side of the field.

Robots built stacks and sometimes even knocked them over, but the scouting training sessions paid off as diligent Nemesis scouters recorded each robot in every match. Pit Scouting helped us comprehend each team’s take on the challenge. We asked other teams questions about their drive systems, types of motors, and unique strategies.

The excitement and buzz of the competition sparked greater anticipation for the upcoming season. Students were intrigued to see the various types of robots and how each robot employed a different strategy in order to win. Not only did we see how the teams worked by themselves, but also how they cooperated in alliances with other teams. Each team was willing to help out others and provide parts if required.

Nemesis had a shaky start, but continued to excel and improve throughout the qualification matches, eventually earning the sixth seed. During alliance selections, the first seeded alliance selected Nemesis. Throughout the playoffs, Nemesis won match after match until they reached the finals. Despite an upsetting loss in the first finals match, Nemesis regrouped and fought back.

The freshmen, inspired by team Nemesis for staying strong throughout the finals, cheered loudly after the victory. Nemesis set a high standard for what the freshmen will be getting involved in for the upcoming build season. We cannot wait to head into the next FIRST Robotics season and compete in the 2016 game: Stronghold!