A Great End to a Great Season for Nemesis
There wasn’t a single moment when adrenaline levels weren’t through the roof in the stands and on the field at Brunswick Eruption hosted by North Brunswick High School on November 9th. Despite having to relocate to Linwood Middle School last minute, Brunswick Eruption was yet another successful off-season event that allowed different teams to come together in a creative space. The matches got intense, rockets and cargo ships were filled, and alliances were made. The energy created by everyone in attendance made it difficult to look away; the spirit that is always at FIRST competitions was shown through all the teams who came from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The drive team and everyone in the stands was exhilarated to cheer on Nemesis.
Brunswick Eruption was the final goodbye to the 2019 game challenge, Destination Deep Space. Each robot would have to pick up hatches or cargo balls and place them in rockets and cargo ships. Every match with this challenge is always a surprise; there are endless possibilities with what can happen on the field. Whether it be the grueling defense or strategic placing of the hatches and cargo, this game challenge always kept everyone on their feet.
After the first couple of qualification matches, Nemesis proudly ranked number two out of the 38 teams at the competition; closely behind the hosts of the event, FRC team 25, Raider Robotix. Tensions in the stands were high--anything could happen any minute. Carefully observing the robots, the scouts were meticulously taking notes to aid in picking our alliance later on.
Just like that, 2590 took the lead. Gaia didn’t hesitate; moving fast and gracefully, it always managed to get a reaction from the crowds everytime it smoothly placed a hatch or cargo. The drive team was working hard in and out of the pit, always on their toes for whatever was coming next. Of course, with competition comes challenges. One of the shafts broke off from the robot that caused difficulty driving and steering the robot. However, the driver, Griffin David, and the rest of the drive team still managed to work around the challenges and won the matches.
Winning all qualification matches, Nemesis enthusiastically progressed into quarterfinals and semifinals. When the time came to choose alliances, Nemesis chose team 225 (ranked 2nd) and team 303 (ranked 31st). Both teams gracefully accepted the alliance. As a part of the red alliance, Nemesis powered through quarterfinals and semifinals, winning all four matches. Prior to the nail-biting finals match, members of the Nemesis team were sure to show spirit and support their robot.
Everyone was on their feet for the final match, making sure not to miss a beat. Cheers erupted from the audience everytime Nemesis skillfully scored points; everyone in the stands and on the field was focused, watching with anticipation. The two final matches were suspenseful; when Nemesis won them 73-65 and 68-60, celebrations commenced and it was final; Nemesis won Brunswick Eruption 2019!
It was many members’ first FIRST competition, and they all left the competition satisfied and astonished. Build Chief Technical Officer, Gurveer Grewal explained, “Watching the stands erupt after the last match filled my heart with gratitude. Regardless of whether we won or not, it was a great feeling to work with my teammates and do what I love.”
As the Nemesis representatives went onto the field and accepted their trophy, all mentors and members of the team felt extremely proud of all of their work and payoff. Brunswick Eruption was an extraordinary event and created yet another opportunity for FRC 2590 to spread its wings in competition. Nemesis looks forward to upcoming events, like Discovery Day and the forthcoming season.
Nemesis 2590 would like to extend its gratitude towards the wonderful sponsors who made this season possible: Navair, Robbinsville High School, Picatinny Arsenal, Lockheed Martin, DoDStem, Bristol-Myers Squibb, CCL Label, Investors Foundation, New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Robbinsville Education Association, Sharbell Development, RAS, Robbinsville Education Foundation, Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, EAG Laboratories, DesignTree, CCC, Gilbane, Triangle Copy, SkyLink Technology, Inc., Coldwell Banker, and the family and friends of Nemesis.
