"The Barn Beginnings (2006–2007)

When I stepped in as the mentor and sponsor for the Priory robotics team in the 2006–2007 school year, we were essentially starting from zero. The program had been dormant for years, leaving behind nothing but a prestigious legacy: our low team number, #751, which marked us as one of the earliest pioneers of the FIRST Robotics Competition.

We moved our operations into the barn behind the maintenance shed, surrounded by equipment and machinery. It was here that we reclaimed our identity, officially adopting the name Barn2Robotics.

That first year, the team consisted of five students who weren't quite ready for the rigors of official competition. They wanted to build something "strange and crazy" just for the sake of creation. On a modest budget of $800, they engineered a fascinating hybrid: a robot with rear electric motors, large pneumatic wheels for rugged terrain, and a gas lawnmower engine that powered an alternator to charge the batteries. It featured an autonomous camera system to track colored targets and, for a bit of flair, a remote-controlled water pump and hose. It wasn't a competition bot, but it was a start.

Trial and Transition (2007–2011)

The following years were a test of endurance. Between 2007 and 2009, we struggled to cross the finish line, failing to complete a robot for the FIRST regional competitions. However, by the 2009–2010 season, the momentum shifted. We recruited a dedicated circle of parent supporters and professional mentors. With a newfound focus on training and structure, we began consistently qualifying for the Silicon Valley Regional at San Jose State University. We were "middle of the pack" contenders—reliable, but still searching for our breakthrough.

The 2012 Breakthrough

The 2011–2012 season changed everything. A surge in software talent combined with years of mechanical experience allowed us to build a rugged, incredibly reliable defensive specialist. While we weren't the highest scorers on the field, our defensive play was undeniable.

At the Silicon Valley Regional, our performance caught the eye of the top-seeded team from Bellarmine High School. They realized our defensive prowess was the perfect complement to their offensive strategy. They selected us as their alliance partner for the finals, and together, we won the regional championship. We also entered and competed in the Seattle regional competition that year.

That victory punched our ticket to the FIRST World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Competing on the global stage was a transformative experience; though we didn't bring home a trophy from St. Louis, the knowledge and confidence the students gained were immeasurable.

A Legacy of Mentorship (2012–Present)

Following our trip to the World Championship, the program entered a new era of professional growth. I continued to mentor for two more years, supported by a remarkably dedicated group of students.

As my other responsibilities grew, I began transitioning the leadership. We welcomed Lynn Adler, who provided vital student interface, and were fortunate to bring on George Schnurle, a Woodside Priory alumnus and Silicon Valley veteran. George's technical expertise became a cornerstone of the team's development.

The program continued to evolve through the leadership of mentors like Dr. Alan Federman (affectionately known as "Dr. Robotics") and subsequent leads. Through every iteration, Team #751 has remained true to its roots: a place where students can transform raw curiosity into world-class engineering."