Who We Are
About Us
The Due Westerners is an FRC® (FIRST® Robotics Competition) team in Due West, SC (population 1,200). We have eighteen team members in grades 8th-12th. We are a diverse community-based team with nine members home-schooled, and nine attending public schools. twelve of our members have prior experience in FRC, six of our members have FLL experience, and six are newcomers to FIRST® Robotics. Our team represents communities throughout the Upstate of South Carolina and the world.
2024 Season
The Due Westerners Robotics Team Season Summary - 2024
The Due Westerners Robotics Team had a challenging yet rewarding season in 2024. The team started the season with high ambitions and a strong determination to succeed in various robotics competitions. They participated in local, regional, and national competitions, showcasing their innovative designs and technical expertise.
Throughout the season, the team faced numerous obstacles, including tight deadlines, technical glitches, and tough competition. Despite these challenges, the team persevered with resilience and teamwork, constantly iterating on their designs and strategies to improve their performance.
One of the highlights of the season was the regional competition where the Due Westerners Robotics Team secured a top-three finish, earning recognition for their exceptional robot performance and innovative approach to solving complex challenges. This achievement motivated the team members and boosted their confidence as they progressed to the national competition.
At the national competition, the team faced some of the best robotics teams from around the country. While the competition was fierce, the Due Westerners Robotics Team put up a strong fight, impressing the judges and spectators with their robot's capabilities and the team's cohesive collaboration. Although they did not clinch the top spot, the team left the competition with valuable lessons learned and a renewed determination to come back stronger next season.
Overall, the 2024 season was a memorable journey for the Due Westerners Robotics Team, filled with moments of triumph, growth, and camaraderie. The team's dedication, passion for robotics, and commitment to excellence were evident throughout the season, setting a solid foundation for future success and inspiring future generations of robotics enthusiasts.
Our Parent Organization
The Due Westerners is the first FRC team under the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Due West Robotics (DWR). DWR is a parent organization for multiple teams spanning each level of FIRST. Sponsors that we secure are DWR sponsors. Our budget (income and expenses) go through the DWR general fund.
Our Mission Statement
The Due Westerners team helps prepare and support students in the Upstate to pursue careers in science, technology, and business by cultivating relationships of mutual respect with teams, mentors, parents, sponsors, and our community. We focus on collaborative learning within the team and with our larger community to build confidence and skills in teamwork, leadership, accountability, and communication, as well as technical and non-technical work skills using the real-world engineering projects of FIRST®. We also work to spread STEM and FIRST® in Due West and the surrounding communities through outreach events, fundraisers, and volunteer work.