Eastside High robotics team heads to world championship after upset win

Eastside High School's robotics team, which practices in a converted janitor's closet, has qualified for the world championship after beating last year's regional champions in the final round.

The team of nine students built their robot, nicknamed 'Mop,' from salvaged parts and a donated aluminum frame.

'We lost the first two rounds badly,' said team captain Aisha Mbeki, a senior. 'Then we realized the other robots couldn't turn fast enough on the carpet. Ours could.'

The championship takes place in Houston in April. The school estimates travel and registration will cost $14,000, which it does not have.

A crowdfunding campaign launched Monday had raised $3,200 by Tuesday afternoon.

Coach Daniel Park, a physics teacher, said the team's biggest expense is not the trip but spare motors, which burn out after roughly 40 matches.

The district has said it will match community donations up to $5,000.