The RiverBots III V5RC High Stakes Signature Event was the second national signature event that 8889A attended during the 2023-2025 season. This prestigious event stands out as the only Signature Event in Michigan and the only one held at a National Park—River Raisin National Battlefield Park, a site that commemorates the Battle of Frenchtown and the War of 1812. Its proximity to Lake Erie added excitement for many of us, blending history and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience.
A total of 64 teams participated in the tournament, including some of the world’s top-ranked teams from across the United States and Canada. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with these outstanding teams, exchange ideas, and push ourselves to improve through high-level competition.
The tournament divided teams into two divisions: Winchester Division and Protector Division. Our team, 8889A, advanced to the semi-finals alongside our alliance partner, 74947K Fenix – Karma. Although we put up a strong fight, we narrowly lost to our friends, Team Holy Cow from Ontario, Canada, in a thrilling match decided by just a few points.
Beyond the competition, this trip was immensely meaningful for our growth. At the end of the game day, we had the chance to engage with university teams, gaining insights into their innovative designs and technologies. These creative ideas have inspired us and may influence the development of our future robots.
Additionally, we were thrilled to be featured in an interview by Pits and Parts, marking our first spotlight since the WPI WAVE event last year. Don’t miss it—check it out here!
All in all, this event was way more than just a competition—it was a chance to grow, connect with others, and get inspired. We’re already looking forward to what’s next in our robotics journey. Until then, keep building, keep learning, and keep having fun!
