The Morgan County Mech Tech robotics team finished second among the 44 robotic teams that competed at the FRST Georgia Southern Classic Regional in Perry, Ga., Feb. 27 through March 1.

While the team didn’t qualify for the World Championship robotics competition in St. Louis, Mo., later this year, it will get another shot at the national stage when it competes in the Bayou Regional in Kenner, La., March 19-22.

Morgan County Team 3959 placed eighth in the qualifying round and earned a position as an Alliance Captain. An alliance was formed with Team 832 from Roswell, Ga., and Team 1369 from Tampa, Fla., for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds.

The alliance advanced to the finals by defeating the No. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 seeds before losing to teams #1319 from Maudlin, S.C., 1648 from Atlanta, Ga. and 3266 from Eaton, Ohio.

Morgan County’s team received a Finalist Award for reaching the final round. It also received the Quality Award, which was sponsored by Motorola. It recognized machine robustness in concept and fabrication. Team members were also recognized for superior team coordination and image.

“We did better than I expected,” said Tim Sharp, lead mentor. “We didn’t have our robot where we wanted it to be when we had to stop working on it. We worked hard on it for two days before the competition and were fortunate that it performed well enough for us to reach the finals.”

“Team members are excited about getting an invitation to compete in the Bayou Regional,” he added. “Both the winner and runner-up in that competition will be invited to the world championships.”

The Morgan County robotics team is represented by all five high schools in the Morgan County School System. Twenty-five members made the trip to the Georgia Regional.

The team’s robot was designed and built by team members during a 45-day period, beginning Jan. 3. Its mission was to be able to pick up and position large recycling containers on top of smaller square boxes.

Morgan County Mech Tech robotics team members and advisors are shown with the robot they designed and built for regional competition. It and two other robots formed an alliance that finished second at a FIRST regional competition in Perry, Ga. Feb. 27-March 1. They have been invited to compete in the Bayou Regional in Louisiana March 19-22. | Special to the Enquirer