[May 25, 2013] Aptos High engineers winning robotic team Tweet APTOS, May 25, 2013 (Santa Cruz Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Watch out, Washington. The Kraken is coming. No, it's not the legendary sea monster, but rather the award-winning underwater remotely operated vehicle created by the Aptos High School Robotics Club. After besting 50 teams at a regional tournament hosted by the school in April, the Aptos club is sending 13 students to an international competition June 20-22 in Tacoma, Wash. But first the club will showcase the Kraken -- and give the community a chance to test drive the robot -- at a free open house 1-4 p.m. Wednesday at the campus pool. "We want to spread the world about what we're doing," said faculty adviser Joe Manildi. "It could lead to inspiring people and getting them excited about science, technology, engineering and robots, and business too. Beyond that, it's a chance for the kids to connect with the community and give back a little bit." The club not only designs, constructs and programs the vehicle, but also must develop a presentation to explain how it operates and organize benefits to fund the project. Two years ago, the club emerged as the international champion. Last year, it placed 10th among 32 teams. At the regionals, the club struggled in the first round, but came back with a near perfect score in the second, took first places in the poster and safety competition and scored a near win in the engineering evaluation to claim the overall victory. As far as Tacoma, Manildi said, "Anything can happen. I think we're going to do really well." Follow Sentinel reporter Donna Jones on Twitter at Twitter.com/DonnaJonesSCS IF YOU GO ROV COMMUNITY DAY WHAT: Aptos High School Robotics Club showcases its winning underwater remotely operated vehicles WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday WHERE: Aptos High pool, 100 Mariner Way, Aptos COST: Free. Refreshments available for purchase CONTACT: [email protected] ___ (c)2013 the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.) Visit the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.) at www.santacruzsentinel.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]