Bethlehem Academy Middle School Robotics Team Wins State

In their inaugural year of competition, the Divine Mercy Catholic School/Bethlehem Academy (DMCS/BA) Middle School Robotics Team took first place in the Minnesota State Vex IQ State Championship held February 2, 2019.  The win qualifies the team to compete for the VEX IQ World Championship in April in Louisville, Kentucky.  Bethlehem Academy sent out a news release with more details.  We've included that information.

"Two teams from Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy robotics program competed at the Minnesota State VEX IQ Championship. After a day of reliable performance and excellent driving, Team #27042A - the BA Cardinals - won the Middle School division Teamwork Championship alongside St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School of Brainerd, Minnesota. All the more impressive, the competition fell on the Saturday of Catholic Schools Week, after students from both schools missed half of the week's scheduled practice time due to inclement weather."

“I am deeply humbled to be working with the students that make up this team,” said Matt Robinson, DMCS/BA Robotics Coach. “Throughout the day they exhibited unprompted acts of kindness, sportsmanship, and support for their teammates, their DMCS Overdrive extended teammates, and for the members of teams from other schools. “

"The team qualified for state based on their efforts at the December 8, 2018, competition at Loyola Catholic School (in Mankato). The team beat out strong contenders from 22 schools, most of whom had more experience and resources."

"Congratulations to Robotics Coach Matt Robinson, our parent volunteers, and the following team members: Ethan Martin, Matthew Friesen, Michael Crone, Joseph Kunze, Saegeol Hwang, Peter Schoolmeesters (co-captain), Thatcher Simon, Zander Smith (co-captain), and Monica Wilder."

Smith and Schoolmeesters joined Coach Robinson on a KDHL AM Minnesota program in December.  We hope to visit with members of the team again prior to the national competition.