Since our rookie year in 2005, Team 1684 has grown with strong community support, earning numerous achievements and awards, including robot awards, the District Chairman's Award, and Engineering Inspiration Award. Several members have been recognized as Dean's List honorees, with Alyssa Garcia winning at the World Championship and others earning state-level honors. Our success at district competitions has frequently advanced us to the Michigan State and FIRST World Championships. Above all, we uphold FIRST values, strive to build the best robots, and continually grow and improve as a team.
www.thebluealliance.com/team/1684/history frc-events.firstinspires.org/team/1684 |
The team name, chosen after the 2011 merger of Lapeer High School's East Eagles and West Chrome Panthers, reflects unity and creativity. Students combined their mascots—a panther and an eagle—to form the mythical Chimera (ky-mare-uh), symbolizing synergy and strength. There was no rivalry, only a shared understanding that pooling talents and resources would create a stronger team. Despite frequent mispronunciations (a source of humor for us), the Chimera has proudly represented our identity ever since.
|
The Chimeras compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), an international program founded in 1991 by inventor Dean Kamen to celebrate academic and engineering talent like sports heroes. In an era emphasizing the importance of science and technology, FRC delivers. Picture six 125lb robots battling on a basketball-sized field for 2.5 minutes in a thrilling game challenge. Competitions are high-energy, loud, teamwork-driven, and incredibly fun! |
A successful season relies on dedicated mentors who volunteer countless hours to teach skills and concepts beyond the classroom, fostering a master-apprentice dynamic. During the weeks of build season from early January to the beginning of March, students dive into mechanical engineering, marketing, programming, electrical work, accounting, graphic design, time management, and more—skills akin to running a small business. After the intense build season, the fun begins with competitions against teams from across Michigan.
|
The Chimeras compete in the FIRST in Michigan District, home to some of the world's top teams and engineers. This means facing elite competition early in the season at local district events. Out of Michigan's 500+ teams, only the top 160 advance to the State Championship at Saginaw Valley State University. From there, the top teams move on to the World Championships in Houston Texas, competing against 400 teams from around the globe.
|
During the off-season, teams participate in relaxed, privately sponsored events, often making final tweaks to improve their robots. This time is also spent on community outreach, recruiting, fundraising, and mentoring youth teams. Through robotics workshops, camps, assisting local events, and school demonstrations, we promote FIRST, showcase its impact on us as individuals and a team, and share our passion for robotics!
|
Our 2019 Team