Grand Force’s Triumphant Journey to the World Championship
Team’s Inception and Mentors’ Departure
In 2019, Grand Forks welcomed Grand Force, its FIRST Robotics team, into the world of competitive robotics. Sarah Dignan and Derrick Seubert, the team’s lead mentors, played a pivotal role in its inception, but their relocation to Virginia in 2023 left the team with mixed emotions.
Dignan, reflecting on her departure, expressed, “It was bittersweet. I’m thrilled to see Grand Force continue to grow, but I’ll miss being there every step of the way.” Despite the change, the team remains committed to its mission of inspiring students through STEM education.
Team’s Performance at the Championship
Grand Force’s journey to the FIRST Robotics World Championship was nothing short of extraordinary. As one of only three North Dakota teams to participate, they secured a wild card qualification for the prestigious event. Competing in the Hopper division, they placed 33rd out of 75 teams, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The game theme, “Charged Up,” challenged teams to score “notes” and “speakers” to earn points. Grand Force’s innovative approach earned them the Innovation in Control Award, recognizing their exceptional programming skills.
The Team’s Journey to Houston
Qualifying for the World Championship was a dream come true for Grand Force. The excitement was palpable as they embarked on their journey to Houston. Along the way, they forged friendships with teams from around the world and experienced different cultures.
One highlight was a tour of a Houston team’s build space, where they gained valuable insights into the design and construction of their robots. These experiences broadened their horizons and fostered a sense of camaraderie among the teams.
Grand Force’s Triumphant Journey to the World Championship
Team’s Inception and Mentors’ Departure
Grand Force, Grand Forks’ FIRST Robotics team, emerged in 2019, spearheaded by Sarah Dignan and Derrick Seubert. However, their relocation to Virginia sparked a mix of excitement and nostalgia for Dignan, reflecting on her instrumental role in the team’s inception.
Team’s Performance at the Championship
At the Championship, Grand Force showcased their prowess, securing a respectable 33rd place finish in the Hopper division amidst 75 formidable teams. As one of three North Dakota teams participating, they navigated a game focused on music, scoring points via “notes” and “speakers.” Their ingenuity earned them the Innovation in Control Award, along with a wild card qualification for the championship.
The Team’s Journey to Houston
Upon receiving the qualification, the team erupted in a symphony of excitement and disbelief. Houston welcomed them with open arms, fostering friendships and cultural exchanges with teams from around the globe. A visit to a Houston team’s build space provided invaluable insights.
Program’s Impact and Future Goals
Dignan’s unwavering belief in the program’s transformative power inspired its foundation, alongside UND students. While recruiting non-school affiliated students poses challenges, the freedom it grants is invaluable. Student Brylan Ringenberg’s journey as lead programmer ignited his passion for mentorship, while Kaden Bittner’s transition to programming ignited his aspiration for engineering. Grand Force encourages every student to embrace the program for its educational and future benefits.
Call to Action
Dignan’s heart overflows with hope for the program’s longevity. She extends an invitation to anyone interested in joining the Grand Force family to reach out via email at [email protected].