LOCKPORT, NY. - The Delphi Thermal/UAW sponsored US FIRST Robotics team returned this weekend from the National Competition at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas with gold medals and a Division Winner Trophy for outstanding performance in their division at the event. The team was one of 288 teams from the U.S., Canada and Brazil to participate in the annual event, which draws teams, fans and spectators estimated at 20,000. Ultimately, the team placed in the “final four” alliance in a vast display of technical sporting talent.

“I’m extremely proud of and excited for the students and adult mentors of the team. This type of performance demonstrates the wealth of talent in our schools, workplace and community”, said Ron Pirtle, president, Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems. “These successes are examples of what our organization is capable of doing when we really put our minds to accomplishing the task at hand”, added Pirtle. The 2003 season marks the fourth and most successful season for the team, the “Circuit Stompers”, comprised of students from Lockport High School and Newfane High School. The team earned the Leadership in Control Award and a regional championship trophy at the Mississauga, Ontario regional on March 29, 2003 and was awarded finalist medals and trophies for their second-place victory at the Buckeye (Cleveland, OH) regional on March 8, 2003.

FIRST is a non-profit organization that pairs businesses and universities with schools to inspire students to pursue engineering, science and technology professions. The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of students and their mentors to design and build a robot in a six-week timeframe, using a standard “kit of parts”. The team must analyze the game and strategize what type of robot would perform best under various situations. Aside from building an actual robot, additional goals include building a collaborative team, a supportive community and a solid strategy for problem solving during the competition. FIRST redefines winning for students by placing emphasis on winning through excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit and the ability and maturity to overcome obstacles.

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