BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
NORTH BRUNSWICK – The township high school Raider Robotix Team is trying to build up its travel expense account by hosting a bodybuilding competition on May 19.
The idea was brainstormed by members of Team 25, who felt that a bodybuilding show was a different way to reach out to the community and raise money from people other than their parents. They felt that the show would spark an interest and possibly introduce residents who are not familiar with robotics to their program.
“There hasn’t been a competition like this in New Jersey, so it’s something to see. It’s not something you see too often, in the high school, right in your backyard,” sophomore Brian Mollica said.
The prejudging show will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and the night show will be from 6-9 p.m. The competition is sanctioned by the National Gym Association and will feature Tier One Novice Class, Tier Three and Pro Qualifier rounds. It is the only NGA show to appear in New Jersey in the last three years. Winners of the show win money and can qualify for a professional show.
There will be various interactive health and fitness exhibits and medical seminars throughout the day. Tiger Schulmann’s Karate will offer demonstrations, a chiropractor will offer information and Pat Grieco of Mindless Meals will offer selections of healthy food eaten by show-ready competitors.
In addition, there will be a special appearance by Larry Cureton, a three-time world kickboxing champion and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, and a performance by the Latin Heat Dancers.
Although there is no true connection between bodybuilding and building robots, sophomore Chris McLean said the team “can relate to the hard work and diligence” of the bodybuilders. The 2007 season saw the team win the New Jersey regional and place second in the Connecticut regional, as well as receive the General Motors Industrial Design Award and the Web Site Excellence Award. Last year, the team placed second in the world during nationals and were honored with the Chairman’s Award for best representing a model other teams can emulate, and the Woody Flowers Award for best coaching during the New Jersey regional. They are also featured in the latest publication of “FIRST Robotix: Behind the Design” and have a rookie card designed by the publisher.
Prejudging tickets cost $5 for the general public and $3 for students. The night show costs $10 for the general public and $5 for students. VIP tickets to both shows for the first two rows cost $30. Funds will benefit the team in hopes of traveling to Hawaii next year for a regional competition.
The school is located at 30 Raider Road. For more information, contact Bob Goldman at (732) 289-3700, ext. 4175 or at [email protected].
In addition, the team showcased their program at the Apple Store in the Menlo Park Mall last week. They are making a two-minute Internet video based on the Rookies in Need of Support Program, trying to encourage other schools to develop a robotics team. They will also participate in a recreational soap-box derby competition in New Brunswick in the beginning of June.