The History of North Union Robotics

     Looking back, NUHS has a lengthy history in VEX Robotics. Reflecting from our past, a group of students helped summarize our journey.

     "North Union High School Robotics had humble beginnings. After a strong start to the middle school program in 2011, the high school began with Mr. Grunert and five robot kits. Mr. Grunert took students to compete in the National Robotics Challenge in Marion, Ohio and here our history began. North Union HS Robotics started competing in Vex through the 2011-2012 game Gateway. In the early days, there were six students all of whom had no idea what they were doing. Continuing on, in the 2012-2013 season Sack Attack, Ohio was still in its infancy and North Union competed in a regional league. After winning the tournament in the league, one of North Union’s teams qualified for the Vex World Championship and was just blown away by the intensity of competition. Up until this point, North Union had never seen robots on the level as they had at Worlds—it was eye opening.

     Fast forward to today; the high school program consists of 30 students divided up into six different teams, along with our coach, and mentor, Mrs. Kavanagh. These teams consistently earn 2-3 awards at every event they compete at. Most recently, in 2018, the high school program reached its highest level yet. At Worlds, one team reached the semifinals and a second team reached the finals and earned the Design Award in their respective divisions. Since their first trip to Worlds in 2013, North Union’s High School robotics program has earned five different Worlds trophies: Sportsmanship (2015), Energy (2017), Online Challenge (2018), Design Award (2018), and Division Finalist (2018).

     Our program is rooted in our humble beginnings. As we consistently raise the bar, we always look back at where we began. What started with five simple robot kits and six students has grown into a high class program capable of competing on a global stage. Today’s program may look different than it did before; however, the desire to compete fairly, adapt to change, overcome obstacles, and succeed remains. It is these ideals that will continue to carry the program forward as we continue to grow." 

     Soon after the 2018-19 season ended, leadership of our high school program shifted to our robotics event organizer, Kristi Matlack. Though things may change, North Union always strives for greatness, and continues to stay humble.