2609 - North Bay & Waterloo Event Recap

2026 North Bay District Event

Our 2026 competition season began in North Bay, and it once again delivered everything we have come to expect from this event. A sincere thank you to the volunteers, organizers, and teams who make North Bay such a memorable experience year after year. It is always a highlight on our calendar, and this season was no exception.

From the outset, North Bay tested us. Like any first event, it came with its share of challenges, adjustments, and unexpected hurdles. Through it all, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep pushing forward. Match after match, the team continued to refine both the robot and their approach, steadily building momentum throughout qualifications and into eliminations. The team finished as seed 4 and captained alliance 3.

In addition to our on-field performance, we were honoured to receive the Innovation in Control Award. This recognition speaks to the depth of work our students have invested in simulation modelling, spatial navigation, and comprehensive data logging. These systems are not built overnight, and it was rewarding to see that level of effort acknowledged by the judges.

2026 University of Waterloo District Event

Building on the momentum from North Bay, we entered the Waterloo event with a clearer

understanding of our robot and where we could improve. Waterloo is consistently one of the most competitive events in the district, and this year was no different. The overall level of play continues to rise, and every match demanded focus, execution, and adaptability.

Throughout the event, our robot established itself as one of the top performers on the field. At the same time, the event presented its own set of technical challenges. What stood out most was how our drive team and pit crew responded. With each issue, they stayed composed, worked through solutions, and kept the robot performing at a high level. That ability to persevere under pressure is a defining characteristic of strong teams.

One of the standout moments from Waterloo was a match where we scored over 200 points as a sole scoring robot. It was a clear demonstration of what the team is capable of when everything aligns, and it reflected the level of performance we have been working toward all season.

We were once again honoured with the Innovation in Control Award at Waterloo. The judging team spent an extended amount of time in our pit, engaging in detailed discussions about our systems, approach, and design decisions. That level of interest and engagement is something we take great pride in, and it speaks to the quality and thoughtfulness of the work our students have produced.

We would also like to recognize our Student Leadership nominees. Being selected as

nominees is an achievement in itself and reflects the leadership, dedication, and positive influence these students bring to the team. Their efforts behind the scenes continue to shape both our culture and our success, and we are proud to have them represent us.

Our Impact team closed out their season with a strong showing at Waterloo. While this marked our final opportunity to present this year, the work represents something much greater than a single award. It reflects years of outreach, mentorship, and community engagement. The skills developed, the connections built, and the lessons learned will continue to carry forward and strengthen our efforts in the seasons to come. Community outreach remains a core part of what we do, and we are committed to continuing to grow and expand that impact.

We also want to extend our appreciation to the students who participated in VIP tours at Waterloo. They did an outstanding job representing our team and sharing the story of FIRST with our guests. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive and is a testament to the professionalism and enthusiasm they bring to the program.

With our performances across both North Bay and Waterloo, we are proud to share that we have qualified for the Ontario District Championship.

As we look ahead, the focus shifts to refinement. The next phase of the season will require attention to detail, thoughtful iteration, and continued teamwork across all areas of the team. The level of competition at the District Championship will be the highest we have faced yet, and we are ready to meet that challenge.

We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, but we know there is more ahead. We are excited to take this next step and compete alongside the best teams in Ontario.

We will see you at the Ontario District Championship.

Reli D.

Lead Mentor & Technical Coordinator

FRC - 2609 Beaverworx