Hemlock’s Gray Matter wrapped up their 2023 season in late April and would like to thank all of the community and sponsor support throughout the season. Let’s take a look back at this incredible competition season.
In early March, Hemlock’s Gray Matter visited St. Joseph High School for their first event of the season. The team made a ton of new friends, worked out the bugs of their new robot, and had a blast along the way. The team finished 8th after qualification matches and was selected to play in the playoffs with the 4th seeded alliance, captained by Team 3620, the Average Joes, from St. Joseph. Our alliance battled their way through to the finals and were crowned champions after beating a strong alliance. The team was also given the Team Sustainability award which celebrates a team’s efforts towards creating a sustainable robotics program.
In late March, Hemlock’s Gray Matter visited H.H. Dow High School for their second event of the season. This is the team’s home event and are proud to be one of several host teams. The team finished 2nd after qualification matches and was selected to play in the playoffs with the 1st seeded alliance, captained by Team 5166, the Freeland Fabricators, from Freeland. Our alliance fought hard in the playoffs, but fell after a couple of robot failures. Hemlock’s Gray Matter didn’t leave the event empty-handed, however, as they won the FIRST Impact Award which is the most prestigious award at every robotics event. This award automatically qualifies a team for the Michigan FRC State Championship.
In early April, Hemlock’s Gray Matter visited Saginaw Valley State University for the Michigan State Championship. This event is a large step up from the district events as there are 160 of the best teams from across the state competing. The event is split up into four randomized divisions and Hemlock was placed in the Consumer’s Energy Field. The team finished 6th after qualification matches and elected to be the captain of the 6th alliance. After a fierce string of playoff matches, the team fell in the semifinals to a very strong alliance. Hemlock’s Gray Matter also won the Gracious Professionalism award which celebrates the teams willingness to help other teams even in the heat of competition. The team’s performance earned them enough district ranking points to qualify for the FRC World Championship.
In late April, Hemlock’s Gray Matter flew down to Houston for the FRC World Championship. This is the largest FIRST Robotics event with 620 teams in attendance from all around the world. The event is split up into eight randomized divisions and Hemlock was placed in the Daly Field. The team finished 50th after qualifying rounds and were selected by the 4th seeded alliance as their 3rd robot joining Team 2054, the Tech Vikes, from Michigan, and Team 695, Bison Robotics, from Ohio.. The alliance lost their first playoff match, bumping them to the lower bracket, where they won two matches consecutively before losing to the eventual event finalist alliance. The team had an incredible time meeting teams from around the world and hope to qualify again next year.
Hemlock’s Gray Matter would like to thank their students, mentors, and parents for their hard work and dedication throughout the 2023 season. Also, the team would like to thank its many sponsors as the season would not be possible without their support. Until next year… GOOO GRAY MATTER!
For match stats and videos: https://www.thebluealliance.co...