
The team arrived on Thursday evening where the teamrobot “The Walrus” was inspected and passed the safety and rule inspection. The team competed in several qualifying matches and posted 6 wins and 6 losses, seeding them in15th place headed into the quarter finals.
The team waited patiently during the alliance selection process and were not picked until the very last. The number 1 and 2 ranked teams selected the Thundercats with their robot “The Walrus” to form the Red Alliance.
In the quarterfinals the alliance won the first match 95 to 48, and the second match 103 to 42. Advancing to the semifinals the Red Alliance won the first match 78 to 52 and the second match 120 to 46.
During the final round, the Red Alliance won the first match 94 to 46 and the last match was won 61 to 57. The match was won through the combined scoring efforts of the Red Alliance and the defensive driving efforts of the Deming High School. Thundercats driver Angel Chafino proved pivotal in the victory, as his defensive abilities kept the opposing teams’ robots at bay, not allowing them to score. “I am very pleased with the efforts of our team this year. We had a rough start and many new opportunities to learn.
The team came together and was able to compete very well this year and this is the first time we have won any championship in FIRST Robotics. Well done team!” expressed David Wertz, Thundercats mentor.
The team consisted of the following members that competed in the FIT Robotics Competition: Mario Mendez, Angel Chafino, Amad Alsheikh, Carlos Emilio Hultsch Martinez, Alejandra Orosco, Melody Ruebush, and Byron Wertz. The mentors for the Deming High School Robotics team are David Wertz, David Jaramillo, and Teresa Hutts. “The Deming Public Schools Activities Office would like to congratulate the Deming High School Robotics team on receiving 1st place in Amarillo this past weekend. We would like to thank Mr. David Wertz and his staff for spending countless hours teaching our students perseverance and how to pursue excellence. We are excited to have programs such as Robotics in Deming, which help foster a positive learning environment and high level of expectations.” stated Bernie Chavez, Athletic/Activities Director for Deming Public Schools.