TuTu Turtles Lauded for Tenacity

Since the team’s creation in 2012, it has competed solely in the FTC. This included other teams from middle schools and high schools, and featured a relatively small robot to play a game on a relatively small field. Instead of designing and building a robot of 18 inches to play on a 12-foot by 12-foot field, competing in the FRC will require the team to design and build a robot of up to 60 inches and 120 pounds, as well as to play on a 25-foot by 50-foot field. In March, the team will begin competitions as a rookie team (FRC Team 9003).

“When we first made the switch to FRC, I had my doubts. But after winning the Pre-Rookie Tenacity Award, it proved to me that each and every one of us on this team is very capable. When presented with such a difficult challenge, it may seem intimidating and too much at times, but I know that as a team we are ready to tackle it to the best of our ability,” said Marland Bustamante ‘23, co-captain of the TuTu Turtles along with Estelle Mason ‘23. 

 

“This season, I am most looking forward to the competitions,” Mason added. “Going to competitions allows us to meet new teenagers that are interested in the same things that we are. I also enjoy driving the robot and getting swept up in the excitement and busyness of competitions.”