Hello dear viewers and robot enthusiasts! It is I, General Mayhem, here to share the chaos and excitement from our thrilling Kickoff Event. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this bit of mayhem! 

On Saturday, September 6, the team of Trial & Error Robotics gathered at the FWD Center to celebrate the announcement of the new game for the season. The air was buzzing with excitement, gears were turning in our minds, and everyone was eager to see what challenges lay ahead. 

You may be asking, “Wait, isn’t the official kickoff event in Meridian, Mississippi? Why weren’t you there?” Well dear viewers, not all of our teammates were able to travel, so we improvised. Instead, we hosted our own kickoff watch party at our home base so the entire team could experience the reveal together. 

Once everyone arrived, we started with some fun games, like guessing what this year’s game element might be. Then we jumped into a discussion about our season goals and strategies — brainstorming themes like pyramids, Egyptian artifacts, bones, and relics to inspire both design ideas and our portfolio. While waiting for the big reveal, we even squeezed in a round of “Two Truths and a Lie” as a team-building activity.

 When the official game reveal video began, nerves and excitement filled the room. Would this challenge play to our strengths? Alongside our friends on rookie FTC Team #30711 the Mustache Academy, we learned that this year’s game involved maneuvering large 5-inch balls into alliance-colored goals and creating specific scoring patterns for points.

With the challenge revealed, brainstorming kicked into overdrive. Each team member contributed ideas about possible robot requirements, drivetrain styles, and mechanisms for handling the game elements. We eventually split into two design groups, each working on its own approach — and whichever design proves best will help drive us forward this season. 

The whole event was a little chaotic, very fun, and full of energy — just as kickoff should be. Thank you for reading and for supporting our journey. Until next time, this is General Mayhem signing off.