This article is part of a series focused on this year’s motto of Unum: Engage, which highlights how students engage as one in different groups across campus.
Robotics is a science many do not understand. Here at Cathedral we have a successful robotics team named Pacific Steel that is dedicated to making high functioning robots ready to win for our school. The complex electronics, mathematics, planning and prepping make robotics a challenging and engaging activity that grows students ability to problem solve and collaborate with others.
While robotics may seem difficult and confusing to many, there are multiple different roles students can take on to contribute! Mr. Knoll, the coach for the team and head of the science department here at Cathedral shares that, “It’s not just building a robot, it’s a big group of people that are trying to accomplish something together.”
There are positions for students on the team like planning and logistics, and participants can also help with the website and outreach for the team. The team also welcomes those with no experience. Whether you are curious about robotics or are just looking to try something new, it’s a great opportunity to branch out and expand your horizons.
“You just want to have to solve problems and meet people and show up,” Mr. Knoll says.
Community is a large aspect of being a part of Pacific Steel. Making a robot is a tough challenge and takes a lot of minds working together. Liz Paul ‘26, who is one of the team leads, says, “We all contribute to making something and we all have a part.”
Robotics is hard work and takes a lot of time to accomplish successfully. Practices after school can last hours and the time the team spends together adds to the tight knit and positive atmosphere they’ve grown. Mr. Knoll shares that “it created an environment for a lot of students to develop friendships.”
Although the robotics team here has fostered such an amazing community within Cathedral, the team itself faces many challenges on the performance side. A lot of students on Pacific Steel are learning as they go with little background knowledge. Liz Paul says a large responsibility that comes with being an upperclassmen on the team is “teaching everyone, while also learning at the same time.”
While this could be a challenge for many, it’s something the team takes seriously. They make sure everyone is there to help out and has the capability for it as well.
Owen Toy ‘26, another team lead, shares that “people are trying to improve themselves.” Robotics is a lot of trial and error, a lot of failing again and again and again in order to eventually get to an outcome. It takes grit and perseverance to be successful, but it’s also filled with a lot of fun people who are in it with you.
If you’re a student interested in joining, go check it out! Pacific Steel is always welcoming new members and grateful for more minds to join the cause. Robotics is a great extracurricular activity that doesn’t involve physical challenges like sports, but it offers exercise of the mind and lasting connections with students just like you!
