Westhampton Beach Robotics Team Wins Spot In World Championships

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Westhampton Beach High School's robotics team is set to take its place on the international canvas.

Following two successful competitions, the Westhampton Beach robotics team, under the direction of their coach, Tony Kryl, has secured a spot in the FIRST Robotics World Championship scheduled for April 20 to 23 in Houston, Texas.

“For us to get to Houston is huge. It is highly competitive," Kryl said.

The team, comprised of several seniors as well as some novices, earned their spot at the SBPLI Regional 1 Long Island Championship, held at Hofstra University. During the competition, Westhampton Beach, who was the No. 3 seeded team, was selected by the No. 1 seeded team, Southold, to team up. They rose to the challenge and split the championship win, the district said.

Westhampton Beach was further awarded the 2022 Rockwell Automation Creativity Award for their robot design, the district said.

This year, the students were tasked with creating a 120-pound robot over a six-week period that could accurately shoot balls into two different levels, as well as climb bars. The robot’s bar-climbing ability earned them the creativity award, the district said.

“We never missed the bar,” said Kryl. “There was a steep learning curve for the team, but they really rose to the occasion.”

The team’s robot performed just as well at a second regional competition, FIRST SBPL2, also held at Hofstra University. The No. 8 seeded team advanced to the No. 5 seed position and was eliminated in the quarterfinal, losing by one point in a very close round of play, district officials said.

The team is now working to make adjustments to their robot in advance of the world championship.

“We have some small tweaks to do to make the robot even better,” said Kryl.

The team members have also launched a GoFund Me fundraiser to help defray the cost associated with traveling to the championship. To donate, click here.