By Colton S., staff writer

Things are heating up in Mr. Patrick’s metal shop as two teams prepare for the annual RoboBots competition which will be held on Saturday, April 2 at Meadville Area Senior High School. The first team, “1/4 inch too thin” will be using the bot called the “Crossfire.” The all-sophomore member team includes Shelly A., Andrew B., Eric B., Kyle F., Keith L., Jeremy M., John N., Austin S., James S., Jonathan W. and Sean W.  The second team, “Close Enough” is going to be using the bot called “The General.” Team members are, Brandon B., Ryan P., Nate S., Robert S. and Shaun W.  According to Mr. Patrick, these teams have worked very hard to get the bots ready for battle. And many community sponsors have donated dollars, equipment and expertise as well. The cost for Crossfire is $800 and The General is $1,200.  This year the competition will begin at 10 a.m. and end around 6 p.m, and it is free and open to the public. Twenty-nine teams will be competing to win prizes including two iPod Touches.  Mr. Patrick is confident his teams will do well. “We are going to win a championship this year,” he said. For more information, visit www.metalsinmotion.org.