Huntington High School’s robotics team vied at the New York Tech Valley Regional competition at the MVP Arena in Albany last weekend, walking away with the Judges Award.
The 2021/22 Blue Devil team is led by Alex Frawley (captain), Luke Rinaldi (vice-captain), Richard Zboray (chief business officer) and Anthony Amitrano (chief technology officer). The team’s faculty advisors are Brian Reynolds and Omar Santiago.
Last weekend’s competition drew 41 separate teams, including a pair of international squads. Each of the teams came with different designs and strategies aimed at winning.
“The competition was a lot of fun and very competitive,” Mr. Frawley said. “We went home with the Judges Award, which recognizes a team’s ‘unique efforts, performance and dynamics.’ Our year round sustainability plan and inclusive efforts helped us to be chosen for this award. I am so proud of all our members who always try their best and work so well as a team together on whatever task or challenge presents itself. We’re all looking forward to the next competition.
The Huntington Robotics team members are always up for a technical challenge and they got a few of them in Albany last weekend.
“Tech Valley was an awesome experience,” Mr. Amitrano said. “It was a great opportunity for new members to experience what a competition is like. Our robot played both great offense and defense on the field with some minor issues. The best part was winning the Judges Award, which was an awesome addition to going to the competition. The team was full steam ahead with making changes to the robot to prepare it for our competition at Hofstra, which I believe we will do really well in.”
The team has been prepping for its major competition at Hofstra University next weekend. There is plenty of work for everyone this week as the robotics team members ironed out any wrinkles that exist.
“It was really nice to finally be able to compete again,” Mr. Rinaldi said. “We enjoyed talking with other teams and watching the robot grow more competitive with each match. Having shaken off the rust, we’re excited to see what we can do at Hofstra this week.”
The return to in-person competition has rejuvenated robotics teams across the state, including Huntington High School’s squad. The Blue Devils thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Albany.
“It was a great competition,” Mr. Zboray said. “Our opposition was fierce but we had some great matches and were able to learn much about our robot to make improvements for our next event. Each member of our team showed passion, excitement and professionalism, which allowed us to win the Judge’s Award. We are incredibly excited for our next competition and look forward to bringing home more awards.”
