About

About the Team

Founded in 2009 the Missoula Robotics Team (MRT) is a collective group that draws students from all three public high schools in Missoula, Montana (Big Sky, Hellgate, and Sentinel). The team is currently made up of around 50 students that range from Freshman to Seniors in High School and ten mentors, including two employees of Missoula County Public Schools.

MRT has a wide variety of students and mentors that join together to not only build a robot but establish leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.  Every type of person is welcomed and appreciated by us, from programmers to engineers to business leaders. Currently, the team is looking to expand its member base to have a stronger business group. Experience is not required. We will welcome anyone that is interested in learning or contributing to our team in any way.  

Building a robot is a complex challenge so when the design and build project begins in January, all hands are on deck to conceptualize and fabricate the robot and other necessities for the game. The students bond over the hundreds of hours spent in and outside of the shop. While we get to create a robot, we also make friendships that will last long past high school.  Robotics allows students to learn how to work together to overcome obstacles, to express ideas and provide positive criticism of others’ ideas.  These skills combined with hands-on experience in mechanics, electrical working and metal work provide students with technical skills that will serve them well in their futures.

Along with building robots, MRT takes pride in community outreach.  Team members present to several businesses in the community and tour manufacturing facilities of all types. We value community service, outreach, and  It is important to the team to get the word out about robotics within our community.

About FRC

Established in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization that was created in order to get students excited about the Science and Technology fields. Since its establishment, the program has grown to have four different competitions with the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) being its peak program.

Part of the competition's ethos is Gracious Professionalism. Coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers, Gracious Professionalism refers to the idea to compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. This idea is what really makes FIRST different from other competitions and creates a unique environment at the competition. It’s not uncommon to see multiple teams working together on a robot in order to get it repaired/working for the competition.