RMHS Riobotics team to take on cross-town rival

Rio Mesa High's Riobotics team, at left, will compete in a regional robotics championship at Cal State University, Northridge on Saturday.

Riobotics was one of 10 high school teams selected last month from a field of 45. The winners will compete in the 2008 national championship.

Riobotics had an entry last year but failed to advance to the national championship.

Rio Mesa was the only school in Ventura County to enter the competition.

This year, Rio Mesa will face competition from Adolfo Camarillo High.

Every year the robots must perform a different activity. Riobotics coach Jeremiah Brennan said the challenges force students to use their imagination and take an innovative approach when building their robots.

"That inspires the kids," the math and science teacher said.

Senior Kea Kea Lani Kanamu, a twoyear Riobotics team member, said the team has taught him not only the nuts and bolts of building a computer but how to replace computer hardware and software. He said he is now able to read computer code.

"It's almost like an academy," Kea Kea Lani said. "It's preparing you for the world of technology." - Michelle Knight