LAPEER, Michigan – Going into last weekend’s Lansing robotics competition, Lapeer’s Chimeras played with heart, despite knowing those district scores wouldn’t carry them to the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics State Championship.

After the Lansing elimination rounds, Team 1684 emerged ninth out of 40 teams, spurring the Chimeras into district quarterfinals, where they won two out of three matches. Teams and fans held their breath when judges announced the need to replay a hard-won match, due to communication issues. Team 1684’s blue alliance dominated, winning 237-150 in the rematch, which left audience members hoarse from cheering (see the video here).

Despite getting knocked out of district semifinals, Team 1684 walked away with the Judges’ Award, an honor earned for “unique efforts, performance, or dynamics” which merit recognition by FIRST district judges.

The FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be. Every student on a FIRST robotics team has a chance to turn pro.

To learn more about Team 1684, go to first1684.com. To learn more about FIRST Robotics, click here.