Kinetic Knights Robotics team unveils 2015 robot, "L.C."

The Kinetic Knights Robotics team of Kincardine unveiled its 2015 robot, "L.C.," at the open house held Saturday afternoon, Feb. 21, at the Lake Huron Learning Centre.
The robot is named after the late Lewis Cavasotto, a staunch volunteer with the team, who died last fall.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie commended the team on the hard work and dedication it took to build a robot in six weeks, ready to compete in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) challenge, "Recycle Rush."

"It's great to have Team 781, the Kinetic Knights, in Kincardine," she said. "I thank all the mentors for their work with the team."
She said not only are the team members learning about modern communication, but also leadership skills, and how to give back to the community by participating in various outreach events.

"Your motto is 'Set your potential in motion', and I like that," said Eadie. "You're already doing that, so keep doing it. And remember that all through your life - keep your potential in motion."

She said the Municipality of Kincardine is proud to support the Kinetic Knights. "All the best in this year's competition and in your future," she said.

Administrative captain Darby Watterworth introduced her team leads, followed by build captain Gregory Reid introducing his team leads.

Gregory then welcomed the team mentors to the front and thanked them all for doing so much for the Kinetic Knights, especially helping them get the robot completed.

One mentor, in particular, was honoured with a nomination for the FIRST Woodie Flowers award. Pat O'Cain works with the build side and has been an integral part of the team's success.
"He is calm and helpful," said Gregory. "He helps us with the electrical work, the programs, figuring out what piece of aluminum goes where - he's right there with us."

"Thank you for this honour," said O'Cain. "This program is not about building the robot. It's seeing an idea gel in a student's eyes - that's so rewarding. We have a great team of mentors - one person can't do it alone."

Nominated for the FIRST Dean's List award were Jed Gonzales and Lana Splettstoesser.

"L.C." was unveiled to the crowd and then bagged and tagged, not to be opened again until competition in March. The Kinetic Knights are attending two regionals - Oshawa, and North Bay. If they qualify, they will also attend the worlds in St. Louis, Missouri, in April.

The practice robot was then put through its paces by driver Gregory Dadson and programmer Jed Gonzales. Eadie even took the opportunity to try driving the robot, and was pretty good at it.