On Saturday, Jan. 14, the West High’s FTC Team, Trobotix, participated in the Hydro League Tournament at Pleasent Valley High School. Trobotix won first place out of 31 competing FTC teams, securing a spot to advance to the Super-Qualifying Tournament at Bettendorf High School.

Trobotix has endured many challenges along the way, but they were able to overcome adversity through perseverance and collaboration and take their team to the next level. During the 2021-2022 season, Trobotix was one of the lowest teams in their league, however, this year, they have made it to the top. Team Captain Jinann Abudagga ’25 comments on the team’s performance this season. “It’s amazing. We have come a long way. We went from not getting mentioned for any awards to winning the whole thing and getting first runner-up for the Think Award. I am incredibly proud of how far the team has made it in a year!” Abudagga said.

The Super-Qualifying Tournament, on Feb. 18, will determine which teams advance to the State Tournament. Prior to the tournament, the team will make engineering and programming changes to their robot that will enhance its performance as well as revise their engineering portfolio as needed to bring their A-game. Their ultimate goal is to advance from the Super-Qualifying Tournament to the State Tournament, and then eventually advance to the last competition: the FIRST Championship.