Robotics Lore

Note: This is a totally humorous account of the history of Team 1912. There are no intentions of seriousness or pretentiousness. For a true record, please visit the History Page.

In a world where science and technology do not assume their god-given place as Kings of American culture, one organization fights to reinstate the fallen lords. Against all odds these hounded, hunted heroes founded FIRST, For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Over years of grueling labor their number grew to thousands of fervent high schoolers, with centers all over the world. In 2006, one group of Louisiana high school students took an oath to convert the Northern shore of Lake Ponchatrain to the way of FIRST. To achieve this impossible dream, they founded a team: Northshore High Robotics, Team 1912.

In the beginning, the team was called the Northshore Krewe, clothed in robes of regal purple as they constructed the first robot. It was fittingly christened Rex, King. After six weeks of toil they shipped him to Houston, the handpicked site of their domination. But, alas, they could not harvest the fruits of their labor, for Rex’s body was too complex to function, and so the king of robots fell into utter ruin. But, the members of that year possessed grit and fortitude, and held their heads high in cheerfulness, and were rewarded for their good nature by the Gracious Professionalism Award.

Among the list of storied 1912 alumni, a renowned set of six students from the founding year stands high above all others. So great was their devotion to FIRST’s cause, so fervent their dedication to promoting science and technology among others, that their names would be forever immortalized as the Stalwarts.

The indelible mark of those legendary founders lie in the traditions they began. Every year, as the illustrious first students did, the team gathers and bestows a series of celebrated awards upon the members of their team for their astonishing achievements. Chief among these is the most renowned prize of them all, the ultimate badge of courage, strength, and sheer masculinity: the All That is Man Award. Other allocates are personalized to each individual’s best traits.

Even the very place where they worked would become legendary in the annals of Team 1912. The large floor space of Planning Systems Inc. (PSI) would become known throughout the Northshore as an altar of science and technology, a citadel of FIRST beliefs so rampantly defended by the brave students working there. Despite being abandoned for two long years, 1912 would return in 2009 to the site of so many memories to begin work anew, and that is the current dwelling of the team.

A dark cloud fell upon the robotics fellowship. But the next year, armed with experience, knowledge, and new comrades, they begin anew, with simplicity as their creed. Clad in maroon and named “Nuts and Volts”, they endeavored to build what would become 1912’s greatest work.

Legend tells of the simple, sturdy, yet elegant robot they built that year, the “Nutcracker.” Honors and allocates like the Innovation in Control Award were showered upon it, and that year, its quest for ultimate glory ended with triumph and victory at the Bayou Regional in New Orleans. It continued on to the legendary event in Atlanta, the summit of all FIRST Robotics, the ultimate test of strength and honor: Nationals. There ultimate success slipped through the fingers of the Nutcracker, and they went home a proud team.

The masterful drivers, human player, and coach on the floor that year would be remembered for their skill, bravery, and hunger to achieve greatness. Among the canon of great 1912 members, their names stand out as the Championship team.

This year too, in the blazing glory of their success, the team members established yet another tradition, where the team gathers by a pool in an extravagant feast with all manners of romp and festivities to celebrate the immortal message of the organization they so fervently love, that of a scientific world. At that very same banquet their distinguished awards are bestowed upon the worthy students.

The next year, now Team Combustion, a team of electric blue and gold, 1912 attempted to rekindle their triumph. But fate was not on their side that year, as their unfortunate robot, Pyro, slowly succumbed to complex idea and designs cemented into the minds of the builders. Success would elude them, despite receiving the Judge’s Award, and memories of triumph would become mingled with tragedy.

1912 entered 2009 determined not to repeat the mistakes of the previous year, and with defeat fresh in their minds and an insatiable hunger to win, Team Combustion knew that this was their year. Unfortunately, they did not perform as well as expected. But that year would become immortalized in 1912 lore as the lone year that their legendary mentor, Dale Bibee, received the honor of honors, an award cementing the almost god-like status he held as a teacher of difficult engineering concepts: the Woodie Flowers Award. That combined with the Gracious Professionalism Award, would keep morale high and give good reason for celebration.

1912 continues bravely on its quest to place science and technology into power in American culture. Despite hardships and difficulties, Team Combustion’s devotion to the cause of FIRST is absolute and unwavering. It will continue to fight for science and technology until the end of the world-or even the universe.

~Written by Sam H.