Eagle Robotics Team 1388 was started in 2004 when the Industrial Tech. teacher, Mr. Bill Findley, recruited a group of 15 students to build their first robot, Zippy. Armed with a common interest in science, technology, engineering and an eagerness to learn more, the students learned that teamwork and forward thinking can bring significant rewarding results. 1388 was started with the purpose of any team, to teach, show and prove that people working together can achieve a specific goal. This goal being to solve the challenge presented to them by FIRST, and come up with how to best compete. Over the years team 1388 has met this goal, achieving successes year after year coming home with numerous awards, and some taking us all the way to the Championships.

That first year, the 2004 team attended the Sacramento Regional Competition, and were awarded the "Rookie All Star Award". That allowed them to continue onto the Championships in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Dome where they won the title for "Curie Division Champions". Their success continued over the years as the team grew in numbers and involvement. A new year brought a new challenge and these were met head on with enthusiasm. Our community and surrounding area of Arroyo Grande became well aware of the teams efforts as members of Team #1388, and got involved in local events such as our Pumpkin Catapult Contest, the Boat Regatta, our local Harvest Festival, and with the Jr. FLL team.

Eagle Robotics has a purpose, a reason to be here working on our new robot to attain knowledge and friendships. We feel, as a team, that it is important to see our history, to learn and be inspired by our past accomplishments and even our failures. New members each year bring in new ideas and initiatives into the team. Not only are our members brains being picked, but our mentors as well (view our Mentors page). Together we gain insights and new ways to think outside the box. Each of our robots has a story; and by viewing them we can learn greatly from our predecessors and past mentors.

Past and present students found that being on the team was much more than simply building a robot and traveling to the events. We have to work at maintaining our grades and raise money as well as building the robot. Doing all this bonds members with others, and expanded their knowledge of science and engineering. We have learned that success involves commitment and the work of many, including our teammates to team mentors, to parents and the community. Several former 1388 members pursued their interest in engineering through college courses and employment, and many continue to support the team by returning as team mentors to give back and help others succeed.

2008

From left to right: George Bekey, Jim Greenhaw, Andy Smith, Mason Smyth, Andrew Sweet, Julia Skillin, Ryan Theibude, Grant Cook, Paul Skillin, Chris Lopez, Casey Studor, James Carlier, Casey Jones, Dan Kelley, Garret Tietz, Chris Compton, Kevin Shinim, Andrew Plaza, Bryan Mandera, Nick Stafford, Doug Doulgan, Evan Jared, Bryan Quennell, Bailey Johandus, Mark Smith, Luke Russom, Tyler Williams, Matt Kime, Jeff Williams, Mike Hendrick, Devin Koester, and Bill Findley.

From left to right, bottom to top: Row 1) Alice Gray, Jessica Rumbel, Lisa Davis, Christine Jarret, Evan Jarret, and Russell Gray. Row 2) Nick Squat, Dan MacDougall, Andrew Peterson, Paul Skillin, Mike Hendricks, Don MacDougall, Gary Jarret, Jim Greenhaw, Justin Trulock, Bob Wathen, Bill Findley, and Bryan Brungs. Row 3) Ron Nashida, Lerot Howell, Andrew Sweet, Julian Davis, Cameron Christenson, James Carlisle, Garret Tietz, Dawn Hinchman, Terry Skillin, and David Cruz.

From left to right, top to bottom: Row 1)David Cruz, Shaun Wathen, Bryan Brungs, Julian Davis, Justin Trulock, Leroy Howell, Bryan Quennell, Chris Kelley, Greg Hinchman, and James Carisle. Row 2) Jimmy Dolengewicz, Joey Gannon, Dan MacDougall, Tanya Bryd, Andrew Sweet, Garred Oldham, Paul Skillin, Sean Blauvelt, Dawn Hinchman, Don MacDougall, and Mike Hendricks. Row 3) Beau Ross, Bill Findley, Jessica Rumbel, Alice Gray, Danny Gregory, Garret Tietz, Cam Christensen, and Janet Sally.

2004

Our team began in 2004 with approximately 15 students all with a common interest in science and engineering, and a thirst to learn more.  In our rookie year we attended the regional event held in Sacramento where we were awarded the "Rookie All Star Award". This award was our ticket to the national event in Atlanta, Georgia, the Championship Event. At this event we worked our way to the top and won the title of "Curie Division Champions".