What do chickens, power tools, and robots have in common? If you said “nothing,” think again—because in Utica Community Schools, they all come together under one name: Team 217, the ThunderChickens.

Known for their bright green shirts and even brighter energy, the ThunderChickens aren’t just building robots—they’re building the engineers, programmers, designers, leaders, and friends of tomorrow. And the best part? You don’t need to know anything about robotics to join.

In each FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), teams compete in qualification matches to earn a ranking through ranking points. At districts championships, there are 30-40 qualification matches and 70+ at states and worlds. After that, the top eight ranked teams each form an “alliance” by picking two other teams to compete with them in the elimination rounds.

These alliances go head-to-head in matches until one wins the event. Making it to eliminations—especially as an alliance captain or being chosen by a top team—is a big achievement that shows strong performance and teamwork.

“The part of the robot I’m most proud of is the elevator,” junior Anthony Frezza said, “it was a bit of a challenge to wire up, but it ended up serving us great in the matches we played.”

This year, the ThunderChickens had a strong competitive season as they had shown off team spirit, strategy, and teamwork at every event. They began as finalists at the Berrien Springs district event, just shy of a win. At the Macomb district event, they were selected as the first pick of the number one alliance, the best outcome, but faced tough competition before finals.

At the Michigan State Championship, Team 217 led Alliance 6 and came heartbreakingly close to a spot in the finals. Ending off the season, the ThunderChickens competed in the Milstein Division at the World Championship in Houston, where they joined Alliance 8 as a backup team and had the same unfortunate outcome as the Macomb event.

“I feel like the biggest challenge was building ourselves from the 2024 crescendo season,” junior Joseph Mansy said. “Although it’s my first year I knew how hard it was considering we didn’t even make states, so we had to make sure things went more smooth and simpler to ensure that we can have a better season and better bot.”

But beyond the competition field, the ThunderChickens are more than just a robotics team—they’re a vibrant, student-led organization where everyone finds a place, no matter their background or interest.

Every member brings something unique to the team. With so many departments working together, students quickly find their strengths and learn by doing.

“My role on the team was to help with the wiring, and I was able to accomplish just that,” Frezza said. “I was expecting to learn the inner workings of electrical, and those expectations were perfectly met and exceeded in some parts.”

While Frezza focused on wiring, others contributed through digital design work—creating 3D models, analyzing systems, and documenting progress.

“The design team works on computer-aided design (CAD) models of the different subsystems of the robot,” junior Jacek Szymanski said. “This year, we started an engineering notebook, which recorded progress on the robot and decisions when making it.”

Not everything has to be related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), however. Leadership roles give students a chance to grow in ways that extend well past STEM.

“My role on the ThunderChickens is being the Student CEO, aka the president,” junior Dron Datta said. “Being on the ThunderChickens helped me grow as an engineer by teaching valuable technical expertise. But one aspect people don’t see is the character development… I have gained so many that I would’ve never expected from building robots, such as responsibility and communication.”

Running a team of this scale includes everything from writing newsletters for sponsors, coordinating outreach events—experiences that help students like Datta build real-world business and communication skills.

That leadership also extends into the community, where the ThunderChickens are known just as much for their impact as for their performance on the field.

“People may not realize the impact we make in our community,” Mansy said. “We don’t just build bots—we also build memories with Ford-partnered events and partnering with other teams in fundraisers and charities.”

Every student finds their niche and something to be proud of. The team’s inclusive culture is what turns curious newcomers into passionate ThunderChickens.

“Being honest, my favorite tradition is the costumes,” Mansy said. “They’re a huge symbol of who we are as a team… The dancing and jumping people do in the costumes brings out excitement, especially when we win!”

Robotics isn’t limited robots themselves. In fact, Team 217 is looking for people with more business and graphic design knowledge and interest.

“Join no matter what you want to be,” Datta said. “People assume you must be very STEM-focused, but no matter what career you want—art, medical school, business—the ThunderChickens help you grow.”

His message speaks to the broader mission of the ThunderChickens: to build more than robots. The team fosters friendships, traditions, and shared experiences that leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.

The ThunderChickens invite anyone with curiosity, creativity, or drive to be part of something bigger. Anyone can join Team 217 and find their place within the coop.