Nearly 20 robotics teams competed at the Round Rock Robot Rodeo held in the large gym at McNeil High School on August 3, and 4.

This experience was an opportunity for students to practice their robotics skills. They mimicked the First Robotics Challenge (FRC) competition style to provide students the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas, engage with cutting-edge technology, creatively solve problems, compete with their robots, and have fun, while collaborating with other teams in alliances throughout the multi-tiered event.

From robot inspections to strategy plays in events similar to connect-four, students received a well-rounded experience in the multi-day competition. 

Both McNeil and Westwood High Schools had teams in attendance.

Trent Bauman, a McNeil senior, said he enjoyed the event; and likes being able to see his team’s hard work pay off at competitions.

“I enjoy robotics because it provides me with an opportunity to work hard towards something I love,” said Trent. “Growing up I was always super competitive but being the driver of McNeil’s FRC team taught me how to build amicable relationships with my teammates and other teams in alliances while also maintaining a friendly competitive spirit with some of the best teams in Texas.”

Raine Maggio, the Director of Enrichment at Round Rock ISD, said programs like Robotics help inspire problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration in students.

“Round Rock ISD students are learning to code and build robots that can complete a variety of tasks,” said Maggio. “That means our students complete, and understand, enhanced STEAM subjects through our programs and clubs; while gaining important soft skills like communication, and adaptability.”

Maggio also noted that robotics gives students a sense of belonging, as they learn and compete alongside their peers from Pre-K to 12th grade. 

Gijs Landwehr, a Computer Science Teacher at McNeil, played a key role in helping bring the Round Rock Robot Rodeo to life.

“The main reason we wanted to host this event was because the Austin area hasn’t had an off-season practice competition since 2018,” he said. “Summer competitions are an opportunity for teams to practice, and for younger students to get experience in new roles.” 

Westwood senior, Anaya Zia, agrees. She said the Round Rock Robot Rodeo was great for introducing new members to FRC Robotics without the stress of in-season competitions.

“It allowed new students to participate and feel included in our team,” she said. “It also allowed us to see where we need to grow. Our team doesn’t have access to full fields in-season, so being able to get experience through off-season competitions is essential to our success.”

By Landwehr’s estimation, a couple hundred people attended the first Round Rock Rodeo over two days.