18 JANUARY 2023 By Melissa Hirschl Sometimes it feels like robots might become the new frontier, and if so, Brophy Prep’s Robotic Club members, also known as the BroncoBots, are uniquely poised to be at the frontline. The BroncoBots were recognized for their technical savvy when they won the FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Championship held at Arizona State University. They competed against 25 Arizona teams, with the winners receiving individual medals and a trophy to display at school. “We felt an abundance of joy when we won,” Club President Sameer Godbole said. “This is the first tournament we as individuals have won as an FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) team.” An amalgam of technology, math and science, the “student-built and student- run” Brophy club attracts those who enjoy strategic thinking, creativity and collaborative problem-solving. Godbole said that the club has grown tremendously – when he joined in 2019, there were 15 members. Now, they are up to nearly 100. The club’s current mentors are chemistry teacher Andrew Mazzolini and Kevin Elinski, Director of Innovative Technologies. “Robotics isn’t purely about robots,” Mazzolini said. “It’s about teams working through tough strategies. They build something they never thought they could.” Every year, club members face regional championships and daunting state competitions. When presented with the latest challenge, entitled “Rapid React,” the team had to create a 3’x3’x3’, 120-pound robot that was capable of throwing cargo balls into a funnel placed on “hangers” (straight rods) and retrieving them. They had six weeks to complete the project. A cacophony of sounds was heard in their lab as club members worked collaboratively while tinkering, experimenting and sharing ideas. Loud background music filled the air as students worked with power tools, metals, laser cutters, wood, 3D printers and water jets to cut metal. Online tutorials came in handy as well. As they found their niche, some students worked on wiring and building the robot, while others oversaw the project or handled the management and business role. They met the deadline and were ready to roll using materials provided by FIRST. Carson Lauer is the team’s engineering director, teaching first- and second-year students and guiding them through creating the robots. “What I find most satisfying is watching your hard work become a working robot,” Lauer said. “Every year’s robot takes quite a bit of work to do, so watching them slowly take form is incredibly gratifying.” At the championship, fellow students enthusiastically cheered on the teams while robots threw cargo balls into the funnel hubs. Teams accrued points two ways: how many cargo balls made it into the funnel and how many times the robots could traverse the rungs of the hanger. The BroncoBots robot finessed the challenge, winning Brophy the top spot. “I find robotics fun because it is an outlet for people to learn the engineering design process while working closely with others,” Godbole said. “I would encourage students to join because robotics improves coding, designing, communication and leadership skills while maintaining a competitive environment.” firstinspires.org BroncoBots win state robotics competition Dennis Bui, Club President Sameer Godbole, Andy Mazzolini, Coach Nathan Tu, Carson Lauer, Aidan Parris, Doer He, Kevin Elinski, Rohan Godha and Renee Ashlock. PHOTO: SONIA GODBOLE

JANUARY 28 - FEBURARY 5, 2023 THE OLD WEST. C O M E S E E I T. Y O U ’ V E H E A R D A B O U T During Scottsdale Western Week, Old Town transforms into an authentic old west experience and a fun ride for the entire family. Trot on down and connect with Old Town’s history at the Hashknife Pony Express Arrival, Parada del Sol Parade or Arizona Indian Festival. Enjoy western museums, art walks, historic tours, SCOTTSDALEWESTERNWEEK.COM