Cary group now local Lego legends

A group of five Cary teen and 'tween boys are riding high, after scoring a state berth in the First Lego League Tournament.

As part of the contest, held just before the holiday season, the boys built a robot named Kelvin out of Lego parts, by downloading programs and by equipping it with different sensors.

The robot was judged on how well it navigated an obstacle course and performed other related tasks, like picking up rings and going under a bridge.

The team, called Mindstorm Masters, also had to do an extensive research project focusing on transportation by selecting a mode of getting around they wanted to analyze and improve.

In keeping with that theme, the boys chose to study reducing boating accidents along the Fox River in Cary - the competition was held at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.

The boys were also rated on the robot's design and programming as well as teamwork for performing a specific challenge together.

Not only did the boys win second-place honors for the robot's performance, but they also they walked away with the Judges Choice Award, which qualifies them for the state tournament.

"The one they won was really the nicest one because it means they did the well in all the areas," said Lynette Reid, the team's coach.

The Mindstorm Masters are:

• Conner Angus, 13

• Matt Havard, 13

• Mitchel O'Day, 12

• Remington Reid, 13

• Brad Vogeler, 12

The state tournament, which will be held Friday and Saturday in Arlington Heights at the Forest View Education Center.

This will be the team's second state tournament appearance.

Last year, the same group of boys reached the state tournament, but did not score any major awards, Coach Reid said.

Here's hoping that changes this time around.

Lenore T. Adkins covers Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Pingree Grove, McHenry County College, Cary and Fox River Grove. You can reach her at ladkins@dailyherald.com or by calling (847) 608-2725.

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