Aluminum Narwhals Make History at FIRST Robotics World Championships

Hailing from the sunny shores of San Diego, the Aluminum Narwhals, Canyon Crest Academy’s very own FRC robotics team, embarked on an unforgettable journey to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas, this past April. This wasn’t just another competition; it was the culmination of countless hours of toil, unwavering team spirit, and a shared dream of showcasing their passion for STEM on a global platform.

Arrival and Houston, We Have Narwhals!

Touching down in Houston on April sixteenth, the Narwhals were immediately swept up in a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. The George R. Brown Convention Center, usually buzzing with the energy of a bustling metropolis, was now transformed into a haven for some of the brightest young minds and their awe-inspiring robotic creations. The air crackled with the hum of machinery, the excited chatter of languages from across the globe, and the palpable tension of a competition where only the best of the best had earned their place.

But the Narwhals, true to their name, remained unfazed by the pressure-cooker environment. They had a game plan, and they were sticking to it. Practice matches were meticulously analyzed, potential opponents were studied with the keen eye of a chess grandmaster, and every lesson learned from previous competitions, both victories, and, yes, even those learning experiences we don’t talk about, were poured into refining their strategy.

Trial by Fire: The Qualification Matches Begin

The morning of April seventeenth dawned bright and early, but bleary-eyed or not, the Narwhals were ready. This was it – time to put their creation to the test in the Hopper division qualification matches. The competition was as fierce as advertised, with teams from all corners of the world bringing their A-game. Alliances were formed on the fly, a unique challenge that required the Narwhals to adapt their game plan and collaborate with teams they had only just met. Talk about pressure!

Of course, this being robotics, and Murphy’s Law being, well, Murphy’s Law, not everything went exactly according to plan. Midway through a particularly intense match, disaster struck – their robot’s intake system, crucial for scooping up game elements, decided to take an unscheduled break. Panic? Not a chance. This was the Narwhals, remember? Quick thinking and even quicker problem-solving were their superpowers. Armed with nothing but their wits, a few spare parts, and the unwavering support of their mentors, they dove headfirst into the belly of the beast, er, robot.

Caption: The Mechanical Department Narwhals working hard on fixing their robot in between matches. Credit: Karen Schaffer

They emerged victorious, albeit a little greasier and more sleep-deprived. And the result? An impressive six wins out of ten qualification matches, a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and ability to perform under pressure. The Narwhals were officially on the board, and the competition was about to get very interesting…

The Moment of Truth: Alliance Selection

The energy in the convention center crackled with a nervous anticipation. After the dust settled from the qualification rounds, it was time for the alliance selections – a nerve-wracking but oh-so-thrilling process that would determine which teams would join forces for the elimination rounds. Would the Narwhals’ performance be enough to catch the eye of the top-ranked alliances?

Then, it happened. The moment that sent a collective gasp, then a roar of jubilation through the Narwhals’ cheering section. Team 33, the legendary Killer Bees, known for their strategic prowess and robotic dominance, called out the Narwhals’ team number. They had been selected as the second pick for the 1st alliance!

History was made. Never before had a Canyon Crest Academy robotics team reached this level of the World Championships. The Narwhals were going to the elimination rounds, and they were going in with a powerhouse alliance that included not only the Killer Bees but also Team 4414 Hightide, former world champions, and Team 8576 Golden Warriors Robotics, another force to be reckoned with. The Narwhals had become a part of an alliance destined for greatness.

Riding the Wave: Elimination Rounds and a Historic Run

The elimination rounds were a blur of adrenaline-fueled matches, nail-biting finishes, and the kind of camaraderie that can only be forged in the crucible of intense competition. The Narwhals, now fighting not just for themselves but for their alliance partners, rose to the challenge. Their robot, lovingly dubbed “Narwhalicorn” by the team, performed flawlessly (well, almost flawlessly, because, you know, robots), playing a crucial role in their alliance’s string of victories.

Caption: The Narwhals celebrating their high-score win during Elimination matches. Credit: Michelle Yuan

There were moments of pure magic, like when they achieved a jaw-dropping high score of 195-95 in the Hopper division, a feat that had the crowd on its feet and solidified their place as serious contenders. Through it all, the Narwhals exemplified the true spirit of FIRST Robotics – gracious professionalism, unwavering teamwork, and a genuine love for the game, win or lose.

Their journey ultimately culminated in the semifinals of the lower bracket, where they faced fierce opposition and, despite a valiant effort, were eliminated. But there was no shame in their loss, only pride in how far they had come and the indelible mark they had left on the world stage.

Looking Ahead: The Narwhals’ Legacy

The 2024 FIRST Robotics World Championships may be over, but for the Aluminum Narwhals, the journey is far from finished. They returned to San Diego not just as a robotics team, but as history-makers, having etched their names in the annals of Canyon Crest Academy’s legacy.

Their sights are now set on the future – a future filled with off-season preparation, community outreach, and a mission to spread the gospel of STEM to younger generations. They’ll be hosting summer camps, mentoring rookie teams, and continuing to hone their skills, all while carrying with them the invaluable lessons learned and memories made in Houston.

About the Authors

Hanna Hong and Sophiann Wu are not just members of the Aluminum Narwhals robotics team; they are storytellers, engineers, and passionate advocates for the power of STEM education. Through their firsthand account of the team’s incredible journey to the World Championships, they hope to inspire the next generation of innovators, dreamers, and, who knows, maybe even a few future Narwhals.