Mechathlon 2005

The Mechathlon 2005 got off to a cracking start at this years Engineering Inspirations Event at Elvington Air Museum. Nineteen teams took part for the first time from 10 different schools in the City of York and North Yorkshire areas.

Each team brought their own version of a Mechathlete to take part in up to five different events over a period of two hours from half past ten to half past twelve. (See the Mechathlon web pages for more details)

Each team was allowed to make as many modifications to their Mechathlete as they wanted too during the event, so long as they kept the same body. There was a lot of frantic work going on in the pits throughout the competition and despite their lack of experience all the teams did very well but, what a lot of the teams did not realise was that there were lots of points to be gained just by attempting an event. Carefully analyse the score sheets and you will see that one team might have come second if they had only attempted the Weight Lift and not given it a bye.

Congratulations

Congratulations must go to Huntington School for building two outstanding Mechathletes that made a consistent effort over all five of the events. This lead to Team A, coming in first and Team B, coming in second, well done.

Special mention must also go to Harrogate Granby High School Team A, who came first in both the Shot Putt and the Hill Climb, to Oaklands School Team A, who came first in the Long Jump and to Easingwold School Team A, who came first in the Weight Lift.

Next Year?

To all those of you who didn't get chance to take part this year and would like the chance to do so next year, please contact Tony Simons at NYBEP and make your intentions clear, there are still some starter kits available if you get in quick.

We cannot let Huntington School get away with winning the first and second place trophies again next year, so get planning and building, and remember, guys, it all comes down to the gear box!

Where is Harrogate Grammar School when you need them?

Best wishes and congratulations to everyone; I hope to see you all again next year.

Kieron McGeever