On July 14, 2024, our rookie team, TEAM X, entered the San Mateo County Event Center, eager to compete in the 2024 CA-NorCal Lobster Cup International, an exciting off-season FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) event. Not only were we competing in the "Centerstage" game from the 2023-2024 season, but we were also up against teams from across the Bay Area, the country, and even internationally, with competitors from Romania and China! The Lobster Cup brought thrilling twists and special field elements, adding a creative spin to the challenges we’ve practiced all season.
Our Experience on the Field
Our goal was to soak in every part of this experience, knowing it would be an opportunity to learn and grow. Throughout the tournament, we tested our strategies, adjusted our tactics on the fly, and competed fiercely, ultimately securing a spot in the top 10 teams. Although we didn’t make it through the alliance selection process, the journey was far from over. This ranking was an encouraging sign of how far we’ve come, and it motivated us to absorb as much knowledge as possible from other skilled teams on the field.
Learning from the Best
At Lobster Cup, we had a unique chance to observe robots from highly advanced teams, each with its own design quirks and strategic approaches. This close-up view of top-tier robotics helped us learn practical techniques and develop a greater understanding of different game strategies. We saw how teams worked together, how alliances operated smoothly under pressure, and we started thinking about ways to bring these insights back to our own team as we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
Highlight: Winning the Mark Rober Award!
One unforgettable moment for our team was the pixel-dropping challenge—an exciting twist added to the Centerstage game at Lobster Cup. We threw ourselves into the task, dropping enough pixels into a basket to win the Mark Rober Award, a prize that came with a domino signed by Mark Rober himself! For a rookie team like us, this was not only an incredible honor but also a reminder that innovation and creativity are as important as technical skill in robotics.
The Mark Rober Award, a prize that came with a domino signed by Mark Rober himself!
What Lobster Cup Meant to Us
The Lobster Cup experience taught us resilience and reminded us why we love robotics. It’s easy to feel out of our depth as a rookie team, but this event reinforced our belief in continuous learning and the importance of gracious professionalism, even when the competition is tough. We’re now more determined than ever to refine our strategies, strengthen our teamwork, and tackle new challenges head-on.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the next season, we carry with us all the lessons and inspiration from the Lobster Cup. We may be a young team, but we’re more motivated than ever to push our boundaries and aim even higher. Our experience in San Mateo has prepared us to take on future challenges with confidence and an eagerness to learn.
Conclusion
The 2024 CA-NorCal Lobster Cup International was a transformative experience for TEAM X, one we’ll never forget. From competing alongside teams from around the world to winning the Mark Rober Award, this event was full of highlights and valuable lessons. We’re excited to take everything we’ve learned and put it to work as we grow, innovate, and prepare for what’s next. Here’s to the upcoming season—may it be as rewarding and memorable as our time at Lobster Cup!
Congratulations TEAM X on winning the Lobster Award!