Robocatz Robotics Team
Our Blochman Robocatz (#23737) Robotics team started in 2016 with the guidance of Evan Arnerich & Christina Gordillo and has just completed it’s fifth season. Each year, we recruit up to 10 team members from grades 4th through 8th. The students learn how to code and program a robot, how to solve real-world problems, how to present their problem-solution to a panel of judges. They even perform a skit along with creating a display board poster all focusing on an identified problem and providing a researched solution. These students receive S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) education outside of school hours.
Team Accomplishments
2020 (Game Changer Season): During the Pandemic, the team went virtual and succeeded. They received the Core Value Award during the qualifying tournament and competed in the Los Angeles Championship Robotics Tournament.
2019 (City Shaper Season): 1st place Champions and 1st place for Robot performance at the local Lakeview Tournament, and a Judges award at the Los Angeles Championship Robotics Tournament in 2019.
2018 (Into Orbit Season): The team took the Core Values trophy home during a qualifying tournament.
2017 (Hydro Dynamics Season): Second place for the Project Award and they won the Strategy & Innovation Award at the local Lakeview Tournament and placed in the top 5 out of 24 teams, qualifying them to compete in Los Angeles Regional Championship.
Volunteer Coaches
- Evan Arnerich
- Donna Beal
- Bruce Detter
In the News
In 2020, the team created a innovative loan system for sports equipment, which will be placed at Hagermann Field near the Pickleball courts and allow players to check out racquets.
In 2019, our team was recognized by Santa Maria Parks & Recreation for their innovative all-access wheel chair design for Preisker Park in Santa Maria.
Blochman Union Robocatz members Jonathan Shuman, left, and Gavin Gordillo work to fix their robot during a practice run Wednesday evening at Fesler Junior High School in Santa Maria (image from the 2018 issue of the Santa Maria Times dated 12.6.2018).
Blochman Union Robocatz Brooke Breeneman, left, Aiden Sturges-Melby, center, and Andres Fernandez present their goal - promoting the use of recycled water - to members of the Robotic Falcons (image from the 2018 issue of the Santa Maria Times dated 12.6.2018).