Montpelier High School’s robotics team did well at nationals, picking up three awards, including the program’s first gold under its current advisor.
Junior Noah Conk beat highly respected Indiana Tech in the Robot Maze to win the gold award. Teacher Lester Orndorff said the gold was surprising. The team competed in Marion April 6-8.
“They only gave out two awards in the robot maze and when they called Indiana Tech as second, I thought it would was unlikely (to call out Montpelier),” Orndorff said. “It was really surprising.”
Conk was just as surprised to get the gold as well. Despite his perceived flaws in his machine, he was able to finish on top.
“I honestly did not think (about winning) with my design,” Conk said. “It was not fast. I learned it was important to get through the maze faster than someone else.”
Conk was the only solo winner. Other awards (all bronze) went to seniors Michael Blake and Colin Rockey for Robot Hockey. Blake and Rockey joined seniors Bryce Cooley and Jared Redinger in claiming a bronze for innovation.