Chilton County’s robotics team, based out of Isabella High School and partnered with LeCroy Career/Technical Center, kicked off the competition this season on Aug 25 with a visit to UAB for an introduction to the 2011 game theme, “Bugs.”

This year, students from Isabella, Thorsby and Clanton have collaborated to form the first ever Central Alabama robotics team. Coaches Jay LeCroy, Nelda LeCroy and Jason Sosa will work after school for the next 41 days with students to increase their confidence and competence through self-directed learning and abstract thinking.

“Our goal is to help encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related careers through participation in a vigorous robotics competition,” Jay LeCroy said.

Using only the materials in the provided kits, student teams have six weeks to design, develop and test a robot that can outperform that of their competitors.

Last year’s team from Isabella advanced to the “South’s Best Regional Robotics Championship” and competed against 60 teams from seven states.

“We’re looking forward to expending some creative energy and digging in for a fierce competition,” LeCroy said.