Owatonna High School Robotics Team to Compete at State Again

The Rebel Alliance is going back to the Barn. For the third straight year, the OHS robotics team will compete at state at the University of Minnesota on Saturday, May 16.

The Owatonna High School team calls itself the Rebel Alliance. Using a catchy nickname is commonplace among high school robotics teams. Owatonna is one of 30 teams that will compete at the fourth state robotics championship hosted by the Minnesota State High School League. Minnesota was the first state to host such an event.

Each team will use their custom-built robot to accomplish the same task. This year the robots will stack recycling containers and totes while removing pool noodles from the competition area. Students designed and built their robots and will operate them by remote control at state.

Other local schools represented at state include Faribault, Austin, Rochester and Byron.

Last year teams used their robots to launch exercise balls into goals and score points on successful shots. Robotics programs in Minnesota have grown quickly. From just two teams in 2006 there are now 193 teams in 2015.

Admission to the tournament is free. Opening ceremonies are at 8:30AM on Saturday, May 16. Preliminary, semifinal and championship rounds will follow. Awards will be presented about 4:30PM.