Did you know Fort McMurray hosted VEX Robotics Provincials this year?
Father Patrick Mercredi High School’s VEX Robotics extracurricular program, RSports, began in 2011 as a means to provide a challenge for our students in the latest technological and innovative problem-solving activities.
When this program started over a decade ago at Father Mercredi HS we dreamed big! But we have exceeded even those dreams. We've had teams qualify and place well at the World Championships, be part of Provincial and Signature Event winning alliances, and hosting the Northernmost VEX tournament in the world.
We believe participation in robotics competitions prepares our students for the increasing number of career opportunities available to them in the ever changing, highly skilled, and multifaceted technology sectors of the global economy. Many of our alumni have pursued post secondary education in engineering and science fields.
About Our Teams
2024/25 competitive teams:
High School:
- 5760A - Bakery
- 5760E - Dihydrogen Monoxide
- 5760F - Pi Factory
Middle School:
- 5760G - Boom or Doom
- 5760H - Robofalcon
- 5760K - Komodo Dragonz
- 5760S - Navy Seals
Our teams compete in the internationally renowned VEX Robotics Competition (VRC), which has the goal of inspiring young people to consider careers in Science, Technology and Engineering. Under strict rules and with limited resources and time limits, teams are challenged to hone their teamwork skills, design, build, and program robots to perform complex prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Our teams attract students from grades 7 to 12 and this year we have over 20 student participants, including a co-ed team and an all girls team.
Our students have proven to be leaders in both the school and community in the areas of Science and Technology. In 2022, team 5760B qualified for the VEX World Competition in Dallas and were Divisional Finalists becoming the top Canadian team on this world stage. In 2023 team 5760B was the Tournament Champion at both the Mecha Mayhem Signature Event and Provincials qualifying for the World Championship, while team 5760C qualified for the World Championship as Tournament Finalists at Provincials. The World Championship had over 800 teams from more than 40 countries participating. There are thousands of live attendees plus tens of thousands of online viewers. Our students proudly represented our school, as well as Fort McMurray, Alberta, and Canada well on the world stage.
Follow us on Social Media!
We post information about our teams, our tournaments, live updates from competitions, and our fundraising efforts!
Instagram: @mercrobotics
Facebook: @mercrobotics
Sponsorships
Thank you to our sponsors who make our dreams of high level RSports learning and competition a reality.
Our current sponsors include:
- Concrete Inc
- Kevin Home Trucking
- Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism
If you are interested in sponsoring Father Mercredi HS RSports please reach out to head coach Holly Kalma.
Donations
Are you interested in helping our students in their learning and competitions? Donations can be made online via ATB Cares. Or alternatively you can reach out to head coach Holly Kalma.Thank you for your consideration.
