CHCA’s high school Beak Squad has advanced to the FIRST World Championship.  

This victory comes after an intense three-day competition at the Miami Valley Regional. Held at Xavier University’s Cintas Center from April 4-6, the regional competition saw 50 teams from 10 different states—as well as a team from China—battle it out for bragging rights and a handful of coveted spots at the FIRST World Championship.  

But the victory did not come easy: By the end of day 1, the Beak Squad ranked No. 17 in the competition.  

“The team worked late into the night, evaluating scouting data and working to adjust game strategy before entering day 2 with renewed focus and energy, determined to give their best effort,” said Sarah Hendrix, CHCA’s Director of Robotics and the team’s head coach. 

The four qualifying matches on day 2 helped the Beak Squad, with some luck and grit, climb the ranks to secure a No. 2 ranking. Turning down an Alliance with the No. 1 ranked robot, the Beak Squad—with strategy, communication, and collaboration—created and led their own Alliance through the semifinals before facing off against the No. 1 Alliance in a best two-of-three finals round.  

“The Beak Squad soared to victory, winning the first and second match of the final found,” said Hendrix, “securing not only the coveted winner’s ‘Blue Banner’ but also achieving the highest match score of the competition, and, most importantly, advancing to the World Championship.” 

Additionally, the Beak Squad won the Innovation in Control award, which celebrates machines that demonstrate an innovative control system or application of control components, according to FIRST’s website.  

The Beak Squad will travel to Houston, Texas, next week for the FIRST World Championship, which will take place from April 17-20. If the team’s performance at the Miami Valley Regional is any indication of its fate in the Lone Star State, the Beak Squad will do more than prove its robotic savvy.  

“The Beak Squad’s incredible turnaround and success at this weekend’s competition not only validates their hard work, perseverance, and determination,” said Hendrix, “but also honors their pursuit of excellence to represent themselves, their school, their community, and their faith with integrity.” 

Keep up with the Beak Squad on Instagram (@BeakSquad4028) for regular updates and for links to watch the competition matches live.