Robotics Team Excels at NY/NJ Tournament 

Xavier’s robotics team earned various accolades at the New York/New Jersey Autonomous Botball Tournament on May 13—the 1st Place Judges’ Choice Award, 2nd Place Seeding, 3rd Place Overall, Perfect Score: Onsite Documentation, and the highest round score of the tournament.

Team members included Matt Miani '17, Elias Awikeh ’17, Michael Stumpf '17, Nicola Frasca '17, Steven Dahie '17, Kevin Kuranowski '17, Adam Lee '17, Roberto DeGregorio '17, Anthony LoBianco '17, August Feliciano '17, Kraig Puccia '17, Njamanze Nwabueze '17, Liam Fitzgibbon '17, Michael Koltisko '17, Kenny So '17, and Christian Polydor '17.

“I could not be more proud of the robotics team,” said their teacher, Michael Chiafulio. “They did a great job.”

“The Botball tournament was one of the highlights of my year. Between Mr. Chiafulio, my peers, and the support of everyone on my team, we did well and advanced to the top five,” said Stumpf. “I had a lot of fun and appreciate all the help I've gotten this year. Robotics was an amazing class, and I would recommend it to any student who wants to learn about engineering or computer systems.”

"Robotics has been remarkable experience for me. I learned so much about myself and working with others,” added Awikeh. “The tournament ended up bringing the best out of us as a team and as individuals. The guys that I competed with on the Xavier team were extremely hard-working and talented, and I wouldn't have changed a thing about how the day went. We came to compete and we had an amazing showing at third place. I firmly believe we could have won the entire thing If a few more things had gone our way, but nonetheless this was one of the greatest experiences I've had in Xavier."