The first competition of the season set an exciting tone for Team #11214, the [Cy] Bearcats, as they joined 30 other teams for a three‑day robotics showdown filled with strategy, teamwork, and impressive accomplishments. From pit setup to playoff battles, the event showcased the team’s growth, resilience, and competitive spirit — ultimately earning them a standout honor: the Rookie All‑Star Award and a #8 overall ranking after Week 1 FIRST Robotics Competition Qualifiers throughout Georgia.
The competition unfolded over three days, blending preparation, qualification matches, alliance selections, and playoff intensity. As a Peachtree District member, Team #11214 finished the event earning 41 district points — a strong early-season performance for a rookie team. With 11 qualification points, 5 alliance selection points, 7 playoff performance points, and 8 award points, the [Cy]Bearcats had a total amount of 31 points to add to their +10 Rookie Points this season. With a final event record of 8‑8‑0, the team demonstrated consistency and adaptability across 12 qualification matches and 4 semifinal matches.
Pit Loading and Set Up, Thursday --March 5
Teams from across Georgia began arriving in Dalton, GA for the Week 1 Qualifier Event. Teams loaded equipment into their PITS and prepared their workstations and marketing materials. Bainbridge [cy]Bearcats proudly displayed the BRIDGE built for the team by Mr. Mark Lashley symbolizing the community that has supported their work all season preparing for competition. The team had their first robot inspection ensuring that KitCat, the team's robot, met all safety and performance standards. Coming in at just 2 pounds over the minimum weight, all team members were excited that the bot passed with flying colors and nothing had to be replaced or repaired before competition. After getting the PIT in order and the bot inspected, students set out for some early scouting to learn about the other bots in the competition and building relationships for Alliance selection later in the competition weekend. This day laid the groundwork for the competitive push ahead and the team enjoyed a well deserved team meal and strategy session at Cici's pizza before lights out.
Qualification Rounds, Friday --March 6
Early Friday morning the energy ramped up after Safety and Drive team meetings and opening ceremonies as the qualification matches began. Dressed to impress in purple jersey, flashing fedoras with safety green arm sleeves and of course closed-toe shoes and "cyber" safety glasses, the team was easily recognizable and branded for success. The Drive team went to work with a driver, operator, drive coach, human player and technician queing for each scheduled match. Other team members manned the PIT telling the story of the [cy]BEARCATS and our Rookie Year as well as explaining the features and strategy behind KitCat. Team members worked to keep KitCat in tip top shape performing maintenance checks between matches, exchanging bumpers for each alliance, and scouting other teams and their robots. Leading dances and cheers from the stands to show team spirit made the [cy]Bearcats a team to notice on day one. The qualification matches were tough and the team worked together to overcome alliance partners with robots problems and steadily improved scoring and defensive capabilities throughout the day. Proud to have moved in rank from 30th to 26th by the end of the day, the team celebrated with Chili's take out and a strategy meeting at the hotel before crashing for the night. Who knew robotics would be this exhausting?
Qualification Rounds, Saturday --March 7
The final day of competition brought intensity, strategy, and celebration. Finishing up qualification rounds the [cy]Bearcats were able to climb from ranking 26th at the end of Friday to 20th with three wins before Alliance selection earning a total of 11 ranking points during qualification rounds. The top 8 ranked teams began selecting alliance partners as team members held their breath hoping all of the scouting and networking in the PITS over the past two days would earn them a spot on a playoff alliance. Invited to join the 5th Alliance with the Dalton Catabots #6887 and Mechanisms #8736 was an incredible moment for the [cy]Bearcats which will not soon be forgotten. Together, the alliance fought through the double-elimination bracket, ultimately playing 4th among all alliances at the competition and earning 5 Alliance selection ranking points and 7 Playoff ranking points. To make the day even sweeter, the [cy]BEARCATS were honored to win the Rookie All Star award and an automatic invitation to the State Championship in Macon this April. This award recognizes rookie teams that embody strong organization, community outreach, and potential for long‑term success. Earning this award was a team goal achieved this rookie season.
Celebration and Making Memories
Before making the long drive home to Bainbridge, the team stopped at the iconic Marietta Diner for a celebratory meal. Laughter and good food shared by all as talk of next steps, engineering modifications, and all the amazing robot performances witnessed over the past three days filled the air.
A Promising Season Ahead
From PIT setup to playoff battles, Team#11214 the [cy]BEARCATS demonstrated determination, teamwork, and rapid growth. Their Rookie All-Star Award and competitive performance signal a bright future as they continue through the season. And this was only the first competition! The rest of the season promises even more excitement as the [cy]BEARCATS are clearly just getting started.
See The [cy]BEARCATS in Action March 27-28 at the Civic Center in Albany, Georgia
