Burlington Central HS
FRC TEAM 2386
The Team
In team 2386, we make sure that everyone is doing what they love to the best of their ability. As such, our team is organized into many sub-groups each of which has their own associated tasks and skillsets that contribute to the production of our robot. How does each team contribute? Read more to find out!
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
By the time the first week is over and team 2386 is moving off into its separate roles, our team will have formed a multitude of ideas to put on the robot. However, without a good blueprint, there is no way to put these ideas into reality. That’s where CAD comes in. Our CAD team utilizes tools such as Solidworks and Cut2D Pro in order to design functional parts for the robot. Laying the groundwork for all of our eventual parts, our CAD team is an essential part in the starting and completion of our robot.
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing team is the team that takes the ideas and blueprints of the CAD team and translates them into the physical world. Everything seen on the robot, whether it be the chassis, drive train, arm, claw, intake, climbers, or shooter, was the work of the manufacturing team. They are the ones who make the shell of the bot, laying down almost all of the structural components of the robot.
Electrical
Once the structure has been put in place, it comes to the electrical team to put the finishing touches on the robot. These finishing touches come in the form of wiring, the structuring and placing of electrical components, and external tasks such as designing/building a battery cart and electrical cabinet. The robot is only able to be programmed and controlled when all of the wiring is safely completed, thus making electrical an indispensable part of the team.
Programming
Once the robot is well and truly built, it is up to the programmers to breathe life into the bot. They provide vision to the robot, create formulas to allow it to know where it is, and code commands for the robot to follow during the competition. While autonomous may be where the work of the programmers is on full display, their work pre-writing commands that allow the driver to automatically pick up pieces rather than doing it manually is an immense contribution to team 2386.
Drive Team
Team 2386 has two drivers: one for the wheels and another for the claw/arm. As the ones controlling the robot, the drive team is in charge of making sure that the hard work of all the other teams pays off. After all, it doesn’t matter how well the robot is built if it keeps on crashing into the sides of the arena! As such, being on the drive team can be quite stressful, but that makes our drive team all the important. Our drive team practices especially hard towards the end of the season to ensure the success of our team!
Field Components
Our drive team can work as hard as they want, but without a good field to practice on, none of it matters. Fortunately for team 2386, we have a group dedicated towards all things field-related. As the name suggests, the members of our field components team work on the construction of components for our field. More specifically, they constructed a nearly 1-1 recreation of the game field and its components for the rest of the team to practice on. Our field components team makes sure that everyone is fully prepared the moment they enter the competition!
Scouting
Once the playoffs begin and it’s our turn to choose our teammates, one of the most important things is knowing who to pick. That’s where scouting comes in. Our scouting team watches other teams, gauging their performances and compiling the data gathered into a single, easy-to-understand spreadsheet. Once data has been acquired, scouting then works to formulate strategies, looking at which teams will best compliment our own team’s abilities and helping to choose them accordingly. All of this strategy and these statistics are team 2386’s way of embracing the spirit of coopertition to its fullest!
Media/Marketing
Every robotics team dedicates weeks of their time as well as a significant amount of their energy and effort to building their robot. Thus, it falls to the media/marketing team to make sure that every member gets the recognition that they deserve. Media/marketing is in charge of the websites, making sure to document the accomplishments of the other teams week-by-week as well as acknowledging all of the incredible people that make what we do possible! From sponsors, mentors, and parents alike there is a multitude of people who ensure that our robotics team is able to flourish and as such, it is up to media/marketing to demonstrate our appreciation for them. In addition, media/marketing helps in the design of various logos and visual pieces for the team such as our name tags and team jerseys.
The Mentors
Of course, none of what we do would be possible without the expert guidance of our mentors. The mentors dedicate hours of their life without pay in order as well as lending the team their individual connections, expertise, and passion. The mentors are what allow our team to learn and they are a significant part of why we are able to stay on track to success.
Shawn Clement
Programing/Lead Mentor
Years involved in BCHS: 9
Years involved in First: 9
Shawn currently teaches Computer Technology and Entertainment Technology at BCHS. He has a background in Theatre Production and Automation. He is still very much involved in theatre and film productions around the GTA. Shawn will be assisting with the programming.
Myles Filkin
Manufacturing/Lead Mentor
Years involved in FIRST: 11
Years involved in BCHS: 11
Myles is a Mohawk College graduate. He was in an industrial engineering program. He was also on the first Central Robotics team when he was in 7th grade (2386 alumni 14′). He teaches Manufacturing and Technology in grade 9,10,11 and 12 in BCHS.
Chris Arnold
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 26
Years involved in BCHS: 16
Chris “Arnie” Arnold is a retired Manufacturing Teacher at BCHS. Chris started up FRC Team 843 before moving to BCHS and starting up FRC Team 2386 in 2008. Chris has a background in Millwright and is one of the founding teachers of robotics within the Halton District School Board. He won the WFA in 2013.
Gord Nicholls
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 17
Years involved in BCHS: 17
Gord is one of the founding mentors of Team 2386. Gord comes to us from BMP Metals with a background in Precision Metal Fabrication. Gord has worked in the industry for over 35 years. BMP Metals has been a sponsor since the team originated in 2008. Gord assists with the CAD and manufacturing.
Eric Tate
Electrical
Years involved in FIRST: 17
Years involved in BCHS: 17
Eric is one of the founding mentors of Team 2386. He has a degree from Ryerson University in Electrical Engineering. Eric currently works in industry as an Application Engineer for drives and automation from Powerhouse Controls.
Taylor Hawkins
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 15
Years involved in BCHS: 15
Taylor began his robotics interest in Grade 10 and hasn’t left the shop since. Taylor previously ran the VEX events during the off-season. He is a Mohawk College graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Taylor is currently working in industry at IntraPac International Corporation.
Elana Nicholls
-Adminstration-
Social Media/Textile Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 15
Years involved in BCHS: 15
Elana became involved in 2010 thanks to her father Gord. In 2013, She assisted with obtaining the largest State Farm Grant had to offer to implement more FLL and FRC teams within HDSB. She is a graduate of both Sheridan College (‘09) and WLU (‘14) with degrees in Social Service Work and Criminology. She was a recipient of the June 2018 – Top 40 Under 40 with the Brampton Board of Trades for her advocacy in STEM Education. Elana currently works in industry as a Buyer for Keltour Controls Inc.
Tyler Wiese
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 13
Years involved in BCHS: 13
Tyler joined the robotics team in Grade 10 and graduated from BCHS in 2013. He has graduated from Mohawk College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and currently works in real estate.
Terry Ratigan
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 12
Years involved in BCHS: 9
Terry joined the robotics team in grade 9 and graduated from BCHS in 2016. After graduating, Terry spent 1 year on Team 5409 and 2 years on Team 6323. Terry graduated from the Mechanical Technician Program at Mohawk College. He is currently working in industry for i-Cubed.
Rebecca Farrell
Photographer/Designer
Years involved in FIRST: 11
Years involved in BCHS: 11
Becky Farrell is a Student Success and Math Teacher at BCHS. She assists with the bumpers and team photography throughout the season.
Hadyn Brouwer
Strategy/Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 10
Years involed in BCHS: 8
Hadyn joined the robotics team in grade 7 (VEX Robotics) and continued to participate in FRC at the High School level, graduating in 2016. He spent 2 years mentoring Team 6323 before returning to support his alumni team. Hadyn has also completed the Millwright program with Mohawk College.
David Cienfuegos
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 9
Years involved in BCHS: 9
David joined the robotics team in grade nine and graduated from BCHS in 2018. After Graduating David spent a year mentoring team 6323, Hayden Robotics. David has graduated from the Mechanical Technician Program at Mohawk College and is currently working at i-cubed.
Noah Tomkins
Programming
Years involved in FIRST: 7
Years involved in BCHS: 7
Noah joined the robotics team in grade nine and graduated from BCHS in 2019. Noah graduated from Mohawk College in 2022 with an Honors Degree in Computer Systems Technology – Software Development.
Jake Josiak
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 9
Years involved in BCHS: 9
Jake joined the robotics team in Grade 9 (VEX) and graduated from BCHS in 2013. He is a McMaster University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jake currently works in the industry as a Quality Engineering Specialist at Stackpole International.
Miguel Zarco
Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 8
Years involved in BCHS: 5
Miguel’s daughter was previously involved with the Robotics program and began to mentor 2386. He was involved previously with the Celt-X Team 5406 in Hamilton, ON as a Mentor. Miguel currently works in industry as a Millwright. He has also ran the Minimaker Fair at the Hamilton Steam Museum focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Education.
Tyler Fowler
Manufacturing/CAD/Field Components/Bumpers
Years involved in FIRST: 4
Years involved in BCHS: 4
Tyler is Professor at Mohawk College/Civil Engineering Technologist. He is a former Gold Medalist for the Ontario Skills Competition. He also supports the dual credit program at BCHS teaching CAD.
Kyle Charlebois
Field Components/Bumpers
Years involved in FIRST: 3
Years involved in BCHS: 3
Kyle attended both Bishop’s University and Mohawk college and is a certified carpenter. He is currently working as a construction teacher at BCHS. Kyle also loves long walks on the beach!
Cat Crawford
CAD/Manufacturing/Bumpers
Years involved in FIRST: 7
Years involved in BCHS: 5
Cat Crawford is studying to be an environmental engineer at the University of waterloo. She started mentoring in 2022 and joined robotics in 2018. Cat is always happy to be a part of the Central robotics team.
Brian Wagg
CAD/Manufacturing
Years involved in FIRST: 14
Years involved in BCHS: 14
A CNC programmer and sheet metal designer for Lord-eon in London, Ontario, Wagg is a central graduate who continues to work with the team to this day.
Derek Sharpe
Automation/Electrical
Years involved in FIRST: 2
Years involved in BCHS: 1
Derek is a parent of a student on our team. He has been involved with volunteering at events and joined this year. He has a background in automation and programming. Derek attended Mohawk College for Electrical Control Systems Technologist. Derek has been in the industry for 28+ years and works in industry for Rockwell Automation as a Business Leader.
Drake McGillivray
Programming
Years involved in FIRST: 4
Years involved in BCHS: 4
Drake has returned after going to post-secondary school for Computer systems Engineering at Carleton University. He is a former student of the Robotics program. He specializes in programming and automation. Drake currently works in industry as a Sail Maker for Bay Sails. Fun Fact: Drake was a driver in his senior year that destroyed the robot (that was made from 16g steel). During Drakes driving career we had to change out the backplate twice and reinforce it. They won that year and went to Worlds to compete in St. Louis.
Aaron Neal
Teacher/Scouting Analysis
Years involved in FIRST: 3
Years involved in BCHS: 3
Aaron was involved in the Robotics team years ago and has returned with his expertise in scouting. He currently teaches at BCHS as a Math teacher. Aaron’s experience in statistical analysis and critical thinking will bring some depth to our team.
Michel Ray-Zarate “Mr. R-Z”
Teacher/Engineering
Years involved in FIRST: 1
Years involved in BCHS: 1
Michel currently works at BCHS as a Math and Science teacher. His experience in engineering, math and science will help refine our design and strategies.
Tyler Ustrzycki
Student Teacher/CAD/Electrical
Years involved in FIRST: 1
Years involved in BCHS: 1
Tyler is a Student Teacher within the HDSB. He has been an Electrical Engineer for over 15+ years. He has worked for Tesla in the past, has a Masters in Space Engineering and decided to go into teaching. Tyler is currently at Brock University for his Teaching Degree.