Team 303 has been a model of success over the years in its role as the Robotics club at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
Some bumps in the road to their usual achievements have slowed down the team’s route–and the path of its famed robot, too.
But there is a refreshing feeling that bleeds lots of energy–no pun intended—that exists these days in Room 208 at Bridgewater-Raritan High School–the headquarters and workshop of Team 303.
A new influx of members has enhanced this feel-good attitude.
And a new advisor, Jim Griffin, explained what he has encountered so far during the early stages of this school year.
“The Robotics team at Bridgewater-Raritan High School- Team 303 - has a long legacy of success that we need to live up to,” Mr. Griffin said. “The last few years have been difficult for the team between the challenges of distance learning during the pandemic and the loss of a lot of equipment due to a flood a few years ago.”
But Mr. Griffin continued with what he predicts will be a highly successful school year for Team 303.
“This year presents us with an opportunity to start anew and build a team that is known for building competitive robots and being an integral part of the community. Students, parents and mentors alike are excited to undertake this new adventure.”
Mr. Griffin is well-versed in the field of Robotics.
His official title is the high school’s STEM Teacher—Advanced Mathematics: Topics in Engineering (AME), Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Robotics.
Along with now serving as the Advisor to Team 303, he is also the Math League Advisor at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
His attitude carries over to his two loyal senior Bulld Captains—Alex Masin and Malav Patel.
“We are off to a great start, we have new members and everyone is psyched,” said Alex, who is in his third year of Team 303. “We are in a good spot for competition.”
Malav, also a three-year veteran, chipped in with his beliefs.
“We have a lot of optimism with 40 new members and a total of 70 overall,” Malav claimed. “We are looking forward to having a lot of fun.”
Team 303 opened the year’s competition when Bridgewater-Raritan participated in the RoboCon, which was held the weekend of September 27-28, at the Bridgewater Commons Mall.
Team 303 posted a 6-2 record during the qualification rounds and was ranked fifth out of 24 teams.
“We were captains of the fourth alliance during the playoff rounds. Unfortunately, the playoffs didn’t go our way, and we made an early exit, but our robot performed consistently well, and it bodes very well for the upcoming season,” reported Mr. Griffin, who is joined on the advisor staff by Kristen Mehrbach and Novena Petryk-Cordi.
While new students have refreshed Team 303, Mr. Griffin and his students would welcome additional members in the form of adults.
“What I’ve learned over the past few months is that a successful Robotics team requires a lot of support from the community,” Mr. Griffin stated. “There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Bridgewater and Raritan communities that our students can benefit from, so anyone interested in becoming an adult mentor to the team, please reach out to us.”
Team 303 is back!