High school teams from across the nation compete in skills events on the first day of the “Gateway To The West” robotics competition happening this week at The Highlands Sports Complex. (Photo/Joselyn King)

TRIADELPHIA – Robotics competition continued at The Highlands Sports Complex on Friday with the high school students anxious to prove their technical prowess.

Despite the inclement weather and bad road conditions earlier in the week, 79 of 80 teams registered showed up for the “Gateway To The West.”

There were teams that dropped out of the tournament, but they were quickly replaced by others on a waiting list to participate, explained Ohio County Innovation Coordinator JoJo Shay, organizer of the event.

Initial registration for “Gateway To The West” filled up in 54 seconds, she noted.

“The waitlist was very big,” Shay said. “We had over 100 teams on the waitlist. As teams drop out, you invite others to come.”

A team from Wetzel County dropped out on Thursday, she continued. Another team from Virginia was then contacted, and members arrived and were ready to start Friday morning.

“That’s incredible that people are so dedicated that they are willing to just jump in the car and come here,” Shay said.

Shay reported the high school teams were especially anxious to check in on Thursday and get started Friday in the tournaments. Check-ins began at 6 p.m. on Thursday, though teams started lining up beginning at 5:30 p.m. Likewise, on Friday morning, doors to the complex opened at 8 a.m., but teams were waiting and ready at 7:45 a.m. she said.

Qualification matches took place throughout the day on Friday, and will continue beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday. The elimination round is set for 1 p.m., with the winners crowned at about 5 p.m.

Those placing at the top will win an opportunity to participate in the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas this spring.