Purdue IN-MaC Launched RC Ravagers to New Heights

In the wake of the 2022-2023 school year, the educational landscape of Ripley County underwent a transformation as Genesis identified a crucial need for a countywide high school robotics team. The absence of educators, funding, and resources for robotics at the high school level left a noticeable void, particularly in a community where robotics thrived in elementary and middle. Recognizing this gap, Genesis took the initiative to address it, aiming to provide a platform for high school students keen on pursuing their robotics endeavors.

Armed with a vision to nurture young minds and promote the continuation of robotics education, Assistant Program Coordinator Amelia Comer spearheaded the formation of Ripley County’s high school robotics team, the RC Ravagers. The goal of this team was clear: to offer high school students an avenue to continue their robotics competition journey through participation in the VEX V5.

The formation of this team stemmed from the observation that many students, not primarily inclined towards athletics, found themselves devoid of extracurricular activities upon entering high school. This void in their student life yearned to be filled with something equally engaging and intellectually stimulating. The RC Ravagers emerged as the solution, providing these students with a platform to channel their creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for robotics into something tangible and rewarding.

The inception of RC Ravagers began with a simple yet pivotal step: a survey. Genesis, recognizing the potential for a high school robotics team, sent out surveys to local high schools, which were then distributed among the student body. The response was nothing short of inspiring. The surveys revealed a palpable interest and enthusiasm for robotics among the students, laying the foundation for what would soon become a transformative initiative.

With an initial startup grant from the TechPoint Foundation for Youth, the groundwork for RC Ravagers was laid. However, it soon became apparent that more than just financial support was needed to propel the team to competitive heights. Thanks to the significant contributions of Purdue IN-MaC (Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center), the RC Ravagers were able to equip themselves with the tools needed to succeed. From advanced sensors to cutting-edge components, these materials not only expanded the team's technical capabilities but also fueled their creativity and ingenuity.

Because of the generous contributions of Purdue IN-MaC; in February 2024, the RC Ravagers were able to place 14th out of 42 teams in a regional competition, guaranteeing them a spot in the final tournament. Although the team was knocked out of the finals in the first round, they gained valuable insight to modify their robot for the next competition in March. In March of 2024, the RC Ravagers placed 32 out of 62 teams and did not move on to the finals. This was an unfortunate turn of events after the success of the first competition, but the RC Ravagers were competing against the top teams in the state, as well as teams that have competed in the global competition known as “Worlds.”

Despite these finishes, the RC Ravagers are not done. They plan to expand and recruit more students from South Ripley, Jac-Cen-Del, Batesville, Milan, and Oldenburg Academy, along with more coaches. With increasing interest, the RC Ravagers plan to establish a second team and further ingrain themselves in the local high schools.

Because of the contributions of Purdue IN-MaC, Genesis: Pathways to Success was able to provide students an outlet to grow and expand their robotics knowledge. The RC Ravagers provide these students with an avenue to apply robotic theory into a practical environment. By giving students this practical experience, they learn further how to adjust their designs rapidly and to make quick adjustments to maintain peak efficiency, an invaluable skill in a community filled with manufacturers who utilize robots in their manufacturing process.

The partnership between Purdue IN-MaC and Genesis has not only empowered students to broaden their robotics knowledge but has also equipped them with vital skills to thrive in a community where innovation and adaptability are paramount.