What started as a shared interest in robotics during middle school has turned into a partnership for high school seniors Rachel Malloy and Anthony Ovalle, who have learned to lean on each other’s strengths to improve with every competition.
“Our sophomore year, we didn’t get along, and our robot was kind of ‘buns,’” Malloy said, using her go-to word to describe the poorly built machine. “Junior year, we locked in and decided we wanted to take it seriously.”
Mallory and Ovalle of Pine Tree High School in Longview were among the area students Saturday at The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler Department of Technology and University Academy’s regional VEX Robotics meet at the Soules College of Business.
Rachel Malloy and Anthony Ovalle of Pine Tree High School pose with their robot, showcasing their hard work and engineering skills before a round in the VEX Robotics competition. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)
The event featured almost 150 students from eight schools across East Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, showcasing their engineering and programming skills through robotics competitions. Top teams advanced to a VEX Robotics state meet.
Mechanical wheels and lifts hummed as robots scooped and stacked red or blue rings onto pegs in the battle arena, their arms adjusting with each move.
Dr. Mark Miller, professor and chair of the Department of Technology, said students start with a kit, but it doesn’t provide a step-by-step guide. Each year, the competition presents new challenges. The kit serves as a starting point, but students must assemble it and figure out the best approach to succeed.
Rachel Malloy and Anthony Ovalle focus on their robot, coordinating their efforts during the VEX Robotics competition. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)
“They’re using all types of skills,” Miller said. “They’re learning, let’s say, pneumatics. They’re learning electronics, electricity. They’re learning manufacturing skills and assembly skills and then programming.”
It serves as a precursor for students who want to continue their education in college and beyond, Miller said. In the Industrial Technology program, they learn the same skills. Events such as Saturday’s meet prepare students for the future, and there is a growing demand for such skills.
“It’s a good start for them,” Miller said. “It opens the doors, and then they learn about teamwork, time management, all those soft skills, like working with other people and getting things done. It’s just great that these kids do that.”
When Malloy and Ovalle started robotics in middle school, they often clashed, each trying to implement their own ideas. Over time, they learned they could achieve more by collaborating rather than arguing.
Their strategy is simple: They try one idea, and if it doesn’t work, they poke fun at the other person’s idea. Whichever idea ultimately works is the one they go with.
Ovalle builds what works for him, preferring not to copy others. He doesn’t follow a strict process — he just builds and lets it come together.
“We went through four or five robots, and ultimately came up with the design that brought us to state,” Malloy said. “This year we’re locked in from last year and kept working towards getting better. It’s pretty nice that we were able to make it both years and take those steps forward.”
A student takes a closer look at his robot in the arena during the VEX Robotics competition. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)
When asked about his sources of inspiration, he mentioned he often watches YouTube, finds ideas that could work, and then tries to redesign and improve them.
“Over the years, he’s discovered new ways to make the base better and fit the robot better,” Malloy said.
Ovalle said he can get stressed when driving the robot, so Malloy steps in to point out what’s happening on the board. He focuses on what he’s doing, not on everything else, so Malloy tells him, “Hey, go do that.” Together, they’re able to effectively manage and maneuver the robot.
Last year, Malloy and Ovalle’s team made history as the first Pine Tree team to reach state, competing at UIL and VEX V5 Robotics State Championships.
By the end of Saturday’s competition, they were named Skills and Tournament Champions as the top-ranked team in the event. They said their eyes are set on the World Championships this year.
“This makes you work with people who you may not like very much, and you get paired with people who don’t pull their weight. It teaches you how to strive in opportunities and situations like that, and how to take them and use them to your advantage,” Malloy said.
