​Kinetic Knights make it to the playoffs at Ontario District event in Windsor

The Kinetic Knights Robotics Team (FRC Team 781) of Kincardine had high hopes of earning a second gold medal at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Ontario District event, held on the weekend at the University of Windsor.

But despite having its robot perform admirably in the qualifying matches, becoming captain of Alliance 6, and making it to the playoffs, the team and its alliance partners ended up on the short end of the scoreboard twice and were eliminated.

This year’s competition welcomed 35 teams which squared off in the “Rebuilt” challenge, with two alliances of three robots apiece, on the field for each game. The qualifying matches ran throughout Friday and Saturday morning, followed by the elimination rounds.



FRC Team 781's robot competes in qualifying matches at the Ontario District competition in Windsor on the weekend

After the qualifying matches, Team 781 was in 11th place, with seven wins and five losses.

During alliance selection, the Kinetic Knights became Alliance 6 captain and partnered with Team 865, Warp 7 of Toronto; and Team 6875, the Amazon Warriors of Windsor.

In the double-elimination playoffs, Alliance 6 lost a close game against Alliance 3, 158-140; and then lost to Alliance 7, 192-117.

Alliance 2 went on to win the competition, with Alliance 1 as the finalist.

The Kinetic Knights are currently ranked 40th in Ontario and are travelling to Niagara Falls for the provincial championships, this weekend, competing in the Technology Division.

Team 781 greatly appreciates its mentors, supporters and sponsors, particularly its major sponsors: the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), Bruce Power, NPX, Kincardine Legion, McKechnie Pharmacy and Enbridge.

The Kinetic Knights Robotics Team is a community youth robotics organization, open to young people, ages 13-19, in Kincardine. Currently, there are about 15 members and six mentors who focus on various aspects of team-building, as well as constructing a robot to enter in FIRST competitions.

For more information, contact lead mentor, David Dadson, at dcdadson@live.com.



The Kinetic Knights' robot competes in elimination rounds at the Ontario District competition in Windsor on the weekend