Garrett Countyโs Public High Schools FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1629, GaCo, competed at its second qualifier for the 2025 FRC season last weekend, March 21-23, at Blacksburg High School in Virginia. GaCo was one of thirty-one teams that competed and earned an additional 71 โDistrictโ points toward their advancement to the 2025 Chesapeake District Championship in April. GaCo ended up on the first-ranked alliance, which won the event, bringing GaCoโs overall record to 30-6-0 so far in their 2025 season.
During the awards ceremony, GaCo was presented with the eventโs Autonomous Award, which celebrates the team that has demonstrated consistent, reliable, high-performance robot operation during autonomously managed actions. Evaluation is based on the robotโs ability to sense its surroundings, position itself or onboard mechanisms appropriately, and execute tasks. About the teamโs mascot, a gecko, judges had this to say about GaCo: โWith cold-blooded focus and a grip on success, theyโve truly stuck the landing in autonomous.โ
GaCo Team 1629 is currently ranked 2nd among the 112 teams in their district, which encompasses all of Maryland, DC, and Virginia. They will compete in their districtโs championship, held at the Showplace Area in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, from April 4th to 7th. All FIRST events are free and open to the public. GaCo encourages as many as can to attend.
GaCo is composed of students from both Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools. Founded in 2005, this is the team's 21st season. The team would like to thank everyone for their support, which has enabled them to represent Garrett County and make a difference throughout the central Appalachian region. Special thanks are due to Don and Liz Morin for their generous support. For more information, follow the team at @gaco1629 on social media or email Email Gaco.