Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League
2013 State Championship Awards
The 2013 Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League State Robotics Championship on Saturday,
January 25, 2014 was a wonderful success despite the weather. There were 40 teams
with about 290 participants competing and having a great day. The results with judge
comments were as follows:
Overall Event Champion’s Award:
First Place: “Automaticus Rex” (5953) –a homeschool group from Lexington, KY. Team members are David
Gedney, Joseph Gedney, Philippe Bischel, Damien Lopez. Coached by Stephen Gedney, Carolyn Gedney and
Pat Bischel. “They performed well in all categories. Their presentation was exceptional in body language, eye
contact and professionalism. Their poster presentation became a combination of a story and a lesson. They paid
attention to each other unusually well. All suggestions were offered calmly and respectfully. They maintained
good humor even when problems arose. Their robot approach was unique and ambitious – tandem operation of
two different robot “bodies” controlled by a single robot “brain”. Their skillful plan included strategically
segmenting the field, use of sensors and the table wall and working as a team. “
Second Place: “Robocats Red Storm” (13420) –from Whitefield Academy in Louisville, KY. Team members are
Erica Fletcher, Noah Janssen, Olivia Janssen, Reagan Marx, Patrick Marx, Nicholas Recktenwald, Robbie
Thomasson, Ryan Thomasson, and Cian Toole. Coached by Robert Toole and Brad Janssen. “This team
Implemented an outstanding robot design with complex but practical programming for missions. Mechanical
design was solid and accurate. Their presentation was excellent with strong collaboration and teamwork was
evident with all members involved. Their motto of “2 + 2 = 5” perfectly expresses their team belief in the whole
being much greater than the sum of the parts.”
Robot Mechanical Design:
First Place: “Brainy Bots” (8904) – from Gray Middle School in Union, KY. Team members are Will Henry
Richards, Ken Ryumae, Alex Wilson, Oliver Lawal, Zach St. Hillaire, Tanner Schmidt, and Willis Dickman.
Coached by Karen Cheser and Masaru Ryumae. “They presented an incredibly sound, compact design using
two attachments to complete their missions. Their design was optimized over multiple design improvements.
Their overall presentation and explanation of their efforts propelled them to this win. This team is expected to
continue to innovate and return even stronger next year.”
Second Place: “Pilot Pride” (12396) – from Fulton County Elementary School in Hickman, KY. Team members
are Mia Amberg, Caleb Collins, Hailee Edgin, Anna Grace Johnson, Karlie Smith, and Tanner Williams.
Coached by Brenda Mahan and Tiffany Ray. “They exemplified the team concept in all aspects; showing the
mathematical applications in programing and building. They were able to perform many of the tasks in front of
them.”
Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League
2013 State Championship Awards
Robot Programming Award:
First Place: “Conner Bot Squad” (11657) – from Conner Middle School in Hebron, KY. Team members are
Camron Kezele, Brewer Vega, Caleb Brown, Morgan Baumann, McKenzie Weber, Emily Patterson, Michael
Klein, Bryce Bornhorn, Jackson Stone, and Cameron Delph. Coached by Dan Wagner. “This first year team
impressed the judges by completing every mission they ran. Judges were also impressed by their teamwork and
hope to see them back next year.”
Second Place: “St. Mary Circuit Breakers” (13514) – from St. Mary School System in Paducah, KY. Team
members are Josh King, William Seay, Gabe Russell, Ethan Barnett, Ian Cole-Carlo, Ryan Chua, and Robert
Bosh. Coached by Jeff Seay and Lynn King. “This team’s programs were repeatedly run effectively with
consistent results. Judges were impressed by their program’s features that allowed it switch based on a touch
sensor. This feature crossed over the boundary from programming to innovation. We can’t wait to see what new
ideas this team will have for next year.”
Strategy and Innovation Award:
First Place: “Potter Gray Panthers” (14376) – from Potter Gray Elementary School in Bowling Green, KY.
Team members are Logan Atkerson, Joseph Coffey, Reed Hensley, Anne Jefferson, Ross Millet, Thomas Tinius,
Truman Tinius, and Parker Wiggins. Coached by Carrie Koedyker and John Atkerson. “This team showed great
teamwork, professionalism and use of multiple attachments including touch sensors.”
Second Place: “Robocats Yellow Fire” (13421) – from Whitefield Academy in Louisville, KY. Team members
are Andrew Harrison, Garrett Haseker, Ryan Cipkowski, Jacob Matallana, Tahlon Lambdin, and Julia Jones.
Coached by Maria Alvarez and Gabriel Frankel. “This robot team showed great innovation with the design and
used wise strategy.”
Robot Performance:
First Place: “Robocats Red Storm” (13420) – from Whitefield Academy in Louisville, KY. Team members are
Erica Fletcher, Noah Janssen, Olivia Janssen, Reagan Marx, Patrick Marx, Nicholas Recktenwald, Robbie
Thomasson, Ryan Thomasson, and Cian Toole. Coached by Robert Toole and Brad Janssen. “This team came
to the table with a robot that was ready to accomplish many tasks. With one touch of the team’s nimble fingers,
their robot brought the fury to the table with a high score of 514 points.”
Second Place: “Automaticus Rex” (5953) – a homeschool group from Lexington, KY. Team members are
David Gedney, Joseph Gedney, Philippe Bischel, Damien Lopez. Coached by Stephen Gedney, Carolyn Gedney
and Pat Bischel. “This team used an ingenious design which included four motors and a cable attached robot
companion. They set the bar high very early on with an innovative robot performance.”
Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League
2013 State Championship Awards
Research Award:
First Place: “Bullitt Blizzards” (389) – a homeschool/community group from Mt. Washington, KY. Team
members are Eli Dalton, Ryan Dalton, Lilly Mooney, Ethan Pyles, Hannah Pyles, Caryn Thomas, and Tyler
Thomas. Coached by Sharon Pyles and Terry Thomas. “This team covered all the elements and hit the mark
with their working prototype of a propane tank heater to ensure disaster relief teams can feed thousands in
freezing temperatures.”
Second Place: “Operation Build” (6377) – a homeschool group from Prospect, KY. Team members are Sierra
Kumher, Heather Baltas, Joey Benver, Jillian Moody, Kelan Moody, and Sophia Goldberg. Coached by Aly
Goldberg and Chris Baltas. “This team worked with two General Electric engineers to develop a PUGH chart for
design analysis in making the FLOOD BUDDY. Flood Buddy provides a safety mechanism for toddlers during
floods. All members of the team conducted a polished and professional presentation.”
Presentation Award:
First Place: “Glasgow Gladiators – Blue Team” (3367) –from Glasgow Middle School in Glasgow, KY. Team
members are Alyssa Baker, Addie Johnson, Jasmine Smith, Lily Moseley, Caleb Jones, Mason Reid, Payne Flatt,
Michael Crimmins, and Jansen Dakin. Coached by Michael Hildreth and Brittany Kingrey. “This team won’t be
so blue when they implement their GPS/Doppler tornado alert watch. Their presentation was fun with the best
props of the day.”
Second Place: “Jesus Freaks” (14619) – a homeschool group from Louisville, KY. Team members are Stewart
Thompson, Hudson Thompson, Nicholas Page, Gabriel Page, Ethan Aldridge, and Garrett LaForest. Coached
by Scott Thompson and Chris Page. “This team recorded their skit and posted it on Facebook and YouTube.
They visited with the National Weather Service for their research. They also visited with cell phone carriers to
discuss implementation of their app.”
Innovative Solution:
First Place: “Jet Team” (9038) – a neighborhood team from Smithfield, KY. Team members are Noah
Anderson, Aiden McCloy, Alexander McFarland, Andrew Nevins, and Zachary Wingert. Coached by Ladina
Wingert and Nathan Anderson. “This team researched the hazards that first responder personnel encounter
with chemical spills in railroad cars through the development of a spill detection app. The team also produced a
phenomenal public service announcement to alert Kentucky citizens to register for the CODE RED emergency
warning system.”
Second Place: “Team Idea Club” (1427) –a neighborhood team from Louisville, KY. Team members are Lucas
Nofsinger, Leah Nofsinger, Sam Wilkerson, Conor Blackburn, Quint Radeker, Henry Conklin, Gwen Reardon,
Nathan Stiles, and Christopher Keller. Coached by Tammy Nofsinger and Jason Wilkerson. “Providing simple
methods to carry clean fresh water in disaster stricken areas is a grand challenge of our time in the field of
engineering. The team developed a ten gallon water carrier designed to be easily maneuvered by the average
nine year old girl. The team did a great job of showing the evolution of their design process.”
Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League
2013 State Championship Awards
Inspiration Award:
First Place: “We’ve Got the Minds” (13552) – from New Haven Elementary School in Walton, KY. Team
members are Kathryn McLagan, Ross Hargett, Matthew Marlette, Lily Stephens, Maddie Johnson, Alex Huff,
Bria Patel, Amber White, Will Gooch, and Landen Huey. Coached by Amy McLagan and Karen Hargett. “This
young team learned individual lessons about FLL values that they integrated into their daily lives. They also took
comments from their regional judges to heart. Their team spirit is contagious.”
Second Place: “FSMS Robotcats” (18594) –from Franklin Simpson Middle School in Franklin, KY. Team
members are Meadow Hall, Lizzy Weems, Natalie Mcabee, Katie Hollingsworth, Christopher Eitel, Hunter
Graves, Hunter Mayhew, Jatavian Muirhead, Seyan Perry, and Taylor Keith. Coached by Matt Staggs and Pam
Rolland. “This team exhibited great positive verbal support for one another. They created three team managers
to facilitate organization and division of labor and had frequent meetings that allowed everyone to have input
on every aspect of their work. They are generous in their sharing and today gave another team their extra
robot.”
Teamwork Award:
First Place: “ LEGO Legends” (1196) –a homeschool group from Lawrenceburg, KY. Team members are
Brandon Gowan, Andrew Gowan, Emily Adams, Eric Adams, Isaac Adams, Quetzal Velasco, Rio Velasco, Zach
Wentz, and Owen Wentz. Coached by Kelli Gowan. “This wide age-range team doesn’t just know the core
values, they live them. In their teamwork activity they iteratively improved their approach by calm, organized
discussion. We know that legacy must carry through everything they do.”
Second Place: “HCPL3” (4986) –a group sponsored by the Henderson County Public Library in Henderson, KY.
Team members are Jacob Goldie, Paxton Pritchett, Thomas Fleming, Ethan Mushrush, Bryce Butler, and Cole
Fogle. Coached by Michelle Chappell and Essy Day. “This team started as strangers who grew into a tight
cohesive team that genuinely admires and respects each other. They have perfected the arts of problem-solving
and democracy.”
Gracious Professionalism:
First Place: “Audubon Elementary” (5953) – from Audubon Elementary School in Owensboro, KY. Team
members are Trey Nally, Gabrielle Parson, Gracie Jennings, and Koki Kato. Coached by Allison Plemmons and
Andrea Head. “This team exemplified the idea of gracious professionalism. They demonstrated exceptional
appreciation for the unique strengths of each team member and graciously set aside ego for the good of the
group. The group as a whole was extremely friendly and cooperative and made everyone in the room feel
valued.”
Second Place: “Catlettburg Creators” (15288) – from Catlettsburg Elementary School in Catlettsburg, KY.
Team members are Gracie Clevenger, Will Prater, Carson Johnson, Hayden Salyers, Jackson Childers, Sawyer
Alley, and Colby Winters. Coached by Terry Spurlock and Rhonda Salisbury. “This team genuinely respects and
admires each other. Each member’s contribution was valued. They have integrated FLL values in their daily
lives.”
Kentucky FIRST® LEGO® League
2013 State Championship Awards
Judge’s Award:
“Longbranch Wildfires” (5836) –from Longbranch Elementary School in Florence, KY. Team members are Niko
Heister, Will Lortz, Makenna Franks, Benjamin Spicher, Chloe Spitzer, Padraic Day, and Jonathan Klayer.
Coached by Cathy Stavros and Justin Kilgore. “With an impressively nimble device and clever multi-function
attachments, this team accomplished multiple tasks in a single run while demonstrating a complete
understanding of all functions and programs. The team made clear their emphasis on the importance of people,
pets and water and made an incredible showing as a rookie team.”