I’d like to introduce everyone to Midwest Vex Programs (MVP). MVP is an organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that has evolved from the Milwaukee Vex League (MVL). The MVL is now a part of MVP, along with several other exciting leagues and events that utilize the Vex Robotics Design System (www.vexrobotics.com).
The goal of the MVP is to promote robotics education through competition. The events are scheduled in the fall so that teams competing in other robotic competitions can participate and use the events as a training ground. League nights can combine information sessions about various robotics competition related topics, such as safety, mechanical design, and scouting, with exhibition competition, which gives teams multiple chances to test new designs.
The events are modeled after the FIRST Robotics Competition (www.usfirst.org). Teams are randomly allied with other teams and must work together to accomplish exciting and difficult tasks. Partners in one match may be pitted against each other in the next, creating interesting strategic dynamics throughout the event. After a series of qualifying matches, the teams are ranked and then battle it out in an elimination tournament to determine a champion.
The 2008 MVP Robotics Challenge will be unveiled on Saturday, September 13th, at Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the second annual Milwaukee Mentor Vex Challenge. This unique event reverses the roles and features adults and mentors building robots and competing in a game designed by students. Registration for the Milwaukee Mentor Vex Challenge is currently open and only costs $25 per team. Visit the Milwaukee Mentor Vex Challenge section of www.midwestvex.org for information about the competition.
In 2008 there are currently three league locations for the MVP scheduled: Downtown Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, and Waukesha. Information about each location will be posted on the website as it becomes available. Teams participating in each league will be required to register with MVP so that a number may be assigned to the team. Registration fees for league play will be determined by each league – there is no cost to register a team number with MVP. Each league is asked to make a $250 donation to the MVP for use of game field components, tech support, website presence, and league awards.
The 2008 MVP Fall Robotics Challenge will be held at Waukesha County Technical College on Saturday, October 25th. The event is limited to 36 teams. As the MVP grows, the original intent of the organization must be kept in mind – to prepare FRC teams for the upcoming FRC season. Therefore, pre-registration (which is now open) is limited to FRC based teams only. Any FRC based team that completes registration (which includes payment) prior to October 1st is guaranteed a spot in the tournament. After October 1st, any team of any age from any affiliation may register for all remaining spots (open spots will be filled in order of payment received). Registration is $50 per team and participation in a league is NOT required. Please visit the registration area of www.midwestvex.org for more information about registration.
We hope that you will join us in 2008 for the biggest and best Midwest Vex Programs season yet. We are always open to your suggestions and feedback and would love to hear what you have to say. You can contact me directly (PM) or visit the website and leave us a note there. This one’s for all the marbles!
