TEAM 41 FACTS:

In 2008, Team 41, along with Teams 555 and 1989 swept the NYC Competition, three Jersey teams beating out 60 New Yorkers.

Even though we finished in dead last at the 2007 NJ Regional, the RoboWarriors still won the Judges' Award for their outstanding design of a near-completed crab drive system. But because this wasn't finished in time, our bot had the ability of a paperweight.

Team 41: RoboWarriors
Started in 1997, the Robo Warriors Team 41 was started by high school students and mentors from Watchung Hills Regional High School. Overth past decade (and counting), this team has evolved with FIRST, going from the underdog to champs in this intense competition. But even if the team failed one season, their was always hope for the next. And unlike any other high school sports like baseball or football to name a few, being on the Robotics team is about much more than just winning. The skills that students learn from Team 41 will last with them for the rest of their lives. From engineering and science skills, to public relations and team work, Team 41 helps students build talents in all aspects of the real world.

At Team 41, we want students to learn their potential and further pursue careers in science and engineering; the true future of our nation and world.

Team 41

Student Led. Student Bred.
At Team 41, our motto is "Student Led. Student Bred." As long as our team has been in existence, our older members have handed down their knowledge to the new-comers and kept the RoboWarrior tradition alive, year after year. Unlike some teams that have outsourced their robot design to corporations, we keep it homemade by our students, from the robot to the website, and everything in between.

Watchung Hills Warrior Spirit.
From Watchung Hills Regional High School, Team 41 has the Warrior spirit.



Team Coaches & Alumni
For our 2008-2009 Season, we have 3 full time coaches, which are also teachers at Watchung Hills.

Mr. Michael Kutch has been teaching Physics and Engineering for five years. When not teaching or coaching the robotics team, Mr. Kutch can be found flying a plane, conducting a train, or making sandwiches at Quiznos. This is his fifth season with the RoboWarriors, and first time heading the team.

Mr. Kutch's website

Email Mr. Kutch



Ms. Jennifer Banko, first-year history teacher, is a new coach to the RoboWarriors. While helping out in previous years, Ms. Banko is contributing with her business talents, helping lead sponsorship activity and other non-technical aspects of the team. Ms. Banko helps fill an essential role in the leadership of the RoboWarriors.

Ms. Banko's website

Email Ms. Banko



Mr. Bill Mulligan teaches Wood-Arts at WHRHS. With his Safety certifications, Mr. Mulligan brings machining expertise to the team. His lifetime experience of mechanical design will be a stronghold in coaching help for the future.

Mr. Mulligan's website

Email Mr. Mulligan




Dr. Sophia Gershmen, one of the most respected teachers at WHRHS, teaches Physics to all levels. Her extraordinary knowledge in this field as well as her experience with teamwork and leadership are used to help Team 41.

Dr. Gershman's website

Email Dr. Gershman





Jeffrey Erickson, Team 41-alumni, works at ANADIGICS Inc. as an engineer. His past involvement in FIRST (7 years and counting) brings priceless experience to the team. From electronics to strategy, memorizing the rule book to leadership skills, Jeff's role is essential to the team.

Jimmy Giacchi, when not serving for the U.S. National Guard, takes his time to stop by and give a hand when possible. Watchung Hills-graduate and former RoboWarrior, Jimmy greatly contributed to Team 41's success in 2008.

William Merrill, 2007 Captain, lends his time to the team to help out. Currently enrolled at NJIT, Will is studying to become a mechanical engineer.

Garrett Dicken is a Robo Warrior graduate, studying at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Graduating in 2008, Garrett always makes time to come back and contribute his programming skills.