Windham High School Robotics Team Wins Big at UNH

Windham NH - On March 6th-7th, FIRST robotics Team 3467: The Windham Windup competed against many other New England teams in the District Event held at the University of New Hampshire.

The team went into the event with a fair amount of practice under their belt and it showed. Right off the bat, the team gave a strong showing, winning the majority of their qualification matches and finishing with a record of 9-3. Their record earned them the ranking of fourth out of thirty-six teams.

Going into eliminations, the Windham Windup became the captain of the third seed alliance and chose Team 58, The Riot Crew of Portland, ME, as well as Team 4555, Sprocketolgy, from Skowhegan, ME. The alliance quickly won the first two quarter-final matches and moved onto the semi-finals where they faced the second seed alliance. After a loss in the first semifinal match, the Windham Windup alliance posted a win to force a third match. In the tie breaker match, a field error required the match to be replayed. During the replay match, another field error occurred forcing a second match replay. After five matches, the Windham Windup and their alliance partners notch the win and advanced to the finals.

 In the finals, The Windham Windup and their partners lost a close first match, but bounced back and won the next two, landing Team 3467’s alliance on top and the title of 2014 UNH District Champions.

However, Windham Windup’s success was not limited to the field competition. Team 3467 was also awarded the prestigious Chairman's Award, FIRST’s highest honor bestowed on a team at competition. The Chairman’s Award honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST. This accomplishment solidified The Windham Windup a spot to compete at the District Championships held at the Agganis Arena in Boston, MA, April 10th-12th.

Student and robot operator James Bedard said “I didn't think we would do this good. Being in our first event of the season we had a lot to learn, and we did quickly. It feels great to win and it was a long, hard fight to the top and I am so proud of this team.”

At the District Championship, Team 3467 will compete for one of four Chairman’s Awards as well as for the title of District Champions. They also hope to earn a slot to compete at the FIRST World Championships in St. Louis, MO.

Before these big events, the team is continuing preparations for their last district event at Northeastern University, March 28-29, The Windham Windup is also continuing fundraising efforts and hopes to continue the successful streak that they have began.

To find out more information or donate to FRC Team 3467: The Windham Windup, visit www.team3467.org