A pair of third-place finishes at its first two robotics competitions has the RoboRangers in a position to advance to the state championships.

The Cassopolis robotics team took third place at its first competition in St. Joseph earlier this month.

The regional FIRST Robotics competition drew 40 teams to St. Joseph to compete in the steam-punk themed competition.

Not only did the RoboRangers finish third overall, but they also received the FIRST SteamWork imagery award for promoting their brand — “The Rangers.”

On Saturday in Allendale at Grand Valley State University, the RoboRangers excelled once again, finishing third at the end of qualifications after starting the day in ninth place.

The RoboRangers teamed up with B.O.B. Team 85 and Kenowa Hills High School’s Titanium Dragons.

The alliance advanced to a tiebreaker in the quarterfinal round before losing to the eventual champions.

Robotics is more than a competition,” said Amy Adams, a member of the drive team. “It’s a community of people who not only build robots, but build better lives for themselves and a better world.”

“We’re building more than just a robot. We’re building our future,” added Amelia Ayers, a member of the drive team and player coach.

The RoboRangers will find out in two weeks if they have qualified for the state finals. They are currently sitting in the No. 38 position and more than 150 teams advance to the finals.

Members of the team agree that being a part of the RoboRangers has been a great experience.

“Robotics has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I’ve learned more in a span of a few months than I would have ever imagined,” said Chayla Gould, a drive team member and programmer.

“Robotics has been an overall amazing experience,” said Megan Evans, business team member and public relations. “I have learned and done so many things that I would have never thought about doing before I joined the RoboRangers.”

First-year team member Nick Zimmerman, who is on the scout/build team, will never forget the experience.

“This year was my first year in robotics and it’s been one of the most exciting and fun times I’ve ever had,” he said. “First off, getting to build the robot was fun and to get to see and help work on the robot is a good experience. Second, the competitions are fun, exciting and stressful sometimes. The teams at competitions get loud when they win, or get first ranking or set a high score. I would consider joining to anyone who is thinking about it.”

Should Cassopolis move on, it will need to raise $5,000 to cover expenses for the entire team.

Those wishing to help the RoboRangers reach their financial goal may do so by contacting them on the Facebook or Twitter pages or by email at roborangers4325@gmail.com.