John Jay HS's Robotics Team 'The MOB' Is Ready To Conquer The Worlds

CROSS RIVER, NY — The MOB earned a ticket to Houston in the most unlikely turn of events — next stop, the world championships.

For those of us who don't completely understand the nuances of head-to-head robotics, it might be hard to understand the gravity of what the plucky John Jay robotics team was able to accomplish at this past weekend's New York Excelsior Regional Championship.

The team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, despite a catastrophic mechanical breakdown that seemed certain to put an early end to the MOB's remarkable journey.

"The third and final match of the championship finals was going to determine it all," Senior Rachel Lewis, spokesperson for The MOB, wrote in a report from the scene. "In the autonomous phase, for the first time the entire day, ALL cones placed. Off to an excellent start, MOB couldn't help but feel confident from their significant autonomous point lead, UNTIL THEIR ALLIANCE PARTNER'S ROBOT STOPPED MOVING ENTIRELY."

SEE ALSO: A Season Of Firsts For John Jay's Innovative Robotics Program

Do you believe in miracles?

While this sudden turn of events seemed to spell doom for the team's hopes, an unimaginable victory was soon within reach.

"In a 1 v 2 situation, in the final two minutes of the final match, with all odds against them, MOB drivers David Bond and Jack Shapiro pulled through," Lewis reported. "In a seemingly miraculous win over the #2 seed BY ONE POINT, The MOB was crowned the winner of the NY-Excelsior Regional Championship and handed their tickets to the World Championship in Houston, Texas."

The MOB had built a robot that was so dominant, it was able to defeat a pair of rivals single-handedly.

The last-second victory in the robotics competition turned on some very human traits.

"A clear focus on team dynamics generated terrific hardware, code and team strategy as well as a flawless presentation of their product," John Jay’s robotics teacher and coach of its robotics teams, Jonathan Peter said of the well-deserved win.

Peter acknowledged The MOB’s individual strengths, too, highlighting each student’s focus and creativity, in celebrating victory. He made a point to congratulate team members David Bond, Orion Brandt, Zoe Dollar, Kristina Fonseca, Brooke Habinowski, Spencer Hadlock, Spencer Levine, Rachel Lewis, Kai Luongo, Will Matthews, Lucas Oyen and Jack Shapiro.

"They work tirelessly, often until late at night," Peter explained. "Whether it's troubleshooting or brainstorming innovative solutions, their creativity and ingenuity never cease to amaze me. They continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, and I'm honored to work with such an exceptional group."

Now, the MOB will head to Texas to take on the world.

The team will face the best of the best, coming head-to-head with peers that share their drive, commitment and appetite for innovation at the 2023 FIRST Championship, held in Houston on April 19-22. The culminating annual event for youth robotics will be attended by around 190 teams — state champions and international teams from countries including the Netherlands, France, England, Germany, Thailand and Romania, according to organizers.

For this week at least, The MOB is basking in its accomplishment, before focusing on the competition ahead. Or as Lewis said into the microphone in John Jay’s main office, sharing the news with the whole school during morning announcements, "The MOB is going to Worlds!"