M.A.R.C. 1 Robotics
I would like to introduce the Enstrom sponsored Robotics team from Menominee high School. F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by Dean Kamen (former owner of Enstrom) in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. The robotics competition made up of High school-aged teams competing head to head on a special playing field with robots they have designed, built, and programmed.
This is Menominee High School’s first year of competition and are headed for great things. They just recently competed in their first regional competition in Escanaba and placed 23rd out of 40 teams. Their overall offensive power rating had them ranked 12th. Very impressive for a first year team.
Their next competition was held at Lake Superior State University March 31st through April 2nd. Their overall placement after elimination rounds was 31st out of 42 teams. In offensive power rating they were 10th of 42 teams. They also did well enough to be selected by the 5th place team to be part of their alliance for the semifinals. Their alliance won the first match and lost the second and was eliminated at that point. This is an improvement over their last match and again impressive for a first year team. They are learning a lot.
The team is made up of students and volunteer mentors. The team members are: Austin DeGayner, Alec Bailey, Kaitlyn Black, Steven Marcusen, Sam MacArthur, Riley Richter, Kylie Zorn, Justin Kaster, Bryce Andre, and Kurt Paris. Team Leader: Sarah Betzinger. Volunteer Team Mentors: Shane Betzinger, Devin Overstreet, and Matt Walrath. Volunteer Robot Inspector for the Escanaba Competition: Don Cugini
Written by Don Cugini
About Enstrom Helicopter
From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.