“The Crickets” Triumph at FIRST Robotics Oklahoma Regional, Earn Coveted Invitation to World Championship

Oklahoma City, OK, April 6, 2024 – The Crickets, a dynamic robotics team hailing from Caddo Kiowa Technology Center located in Fort Cobb, OK, have emerged victorious at the annual FIRST Robotics Oklahoma Regional competition. Their outstanding performance has secured them an esteemed invitation to the World Championship in Houston, Texas, from Wednesday, April 17 to Saturday, April 20, 2024.

The FIRST Robotics Oklahoma Regional, held at the OKC Fairgrounds from Thursday, April 4 through Saturday, April 6, brought together some of the most innovative and skilled robotics teams from across the United States, as well as 2 international teams. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork, ingenuity, and technical prowess, The Crickets showcased their robotic masterpiece, “THOR-AXE”, impressing competitors and spectators alike.

Under the guidance of first-year head coach Reed Allen and first-year assistant coach Kyle Walbrick, The Crickets navigated through intense challenges, displaying their expertise in engineering, programming, and problem-solving. Their dedication and commitment to excellence culminated in a resounding victory, earning them the shared title of regional champions along with their alliance members, Team Tators from Boise, ID and Midas’ Mayhem out of Troy, MO.

“We are immensely proud of our kids for how they battled through adversity and setbacks,” said head coach Reed Allen. “Their hard work, perseverance, and collaborative spirit have truly paid off. This win is a testament to their exceptional talent and determination.” Allen went on to say, “Credit must be given to Rhett Morgan and Marcia Harmon. They laid the foundation for The Crickets’ success many years ago, we are simply building on their hard work and effort. This championship belongs to them as much as it does to any of us.”

As winners of the FIRST Robotics Oklahoma Regional, The Crickets have earned the esteemed privilege of representing their region on the global stage. The team is eagerly preparing to compete against top robotics teams from around the world at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. This prestigious event promises to be a showcase of innovation, creativity, and competitive spirit, and The Crickets are ready to rise to the challenge. “Skill, experience, and teamwork are far more valuable than fancy looks and expensive gadgets when it comes to performance.” says first-year competitor, co-driver, and team captain Conley King of Eakly, OK.

“We are thankful for how hard our kids worked this year, and for the amazing support from family, friends, and administration,” said assistant coach Kyle Walbrick. “I believe that my, and Reed’s, grandpas were with us in spirit helping during the whole process this year.”
The Crickets extend their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors, mentors, families, and supporters whose unwavering support has been instrumental in their success. With their sights set on victory, The Crickets are poised to make their mark at the World Championship and continue inspiring future generations of innovators and engineers.

For more information about The Crickets and their journey to the World Championship, or to learn about how your child can join the Crickets, please contact Reed Allen at ra****@ck**.edu.

About The Crickets:

Founded in 2008, Team 2373 “The Crickets” is a passionate and dedicated robotics team representing Caddo Kiowa Technology Center in Fort Cobb, OK. Composed of talented students, mentors, and volunteers, The Crickets strive for excellence in the field of robotics through innovation, collaboration, and determination. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering future generations of engineers and technologists, The Crickets embody the spirit of creativity, ingenuity, and teamwork.

Team sponsors:

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center, ABC Superior Realty, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), United States Department of Defense (DoD STEM), and other private donors.

Team members include:

Brothers Ayden and David Anderson, Ryder Bellamy, and Ryan Ahtone from Carnegie. Malachi Dresselhaus and Samantha Bigley from Mountain View-Gotebo. Quinsyn Goombi from Anadarko. Shelton Willis from Verden. Conley King, Peyton Lierle, Easton Morris, and Gracen Ruckman from Hydro-Eakly. The Crickets are coached by Reed Allen of Fort Cobb, and Kyle Walbrick of Lawton.

About FIRST Robotics Competition:

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international high school robotics competition that gives students real-world engineering experience. Teams of students, working closely with mentors, build and program robots to perform tasks against a field of competitors. FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology to create a unique and engaging experience for participants and spectators alike.

CKTC’s John Noel wins National ACTE/PACE Ambassador of the Year Award

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center’s Business and Industry Services Director John Noel was recently awarded the National ACTE/PACE Ambassador of the Year Award.

This is an award given to one individual nationally, that goes above and beyond to promote the PACE division on a Local State and National level. John has served as ACTE/PACE Vice President and has been a huge asset to the division.
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CKTC Biomed Students Place 1st at Anatomage Tournament

Caddo Kiowa Technology Biomedical Science students recently participated in the HOSA State Leadership Conference. After competing online, the Muskrats team qualified in the Elite 8, which competed at State Leadership Conference. The students competed on Monday afternoon and advanced to the Final 4 on Tuesday, which would be conducted with a live audience watching. With a score of 227, the Muskrats advanced to the Championship, where they posted a score 144 in the most difficult round.

The team was crowned OK HOSA State Leadership Conference Anatomage Tournament Champions. In addition, students also competed in other competitive events.

Jaden Bartlett and Catherine Potter competed in Forensic Science and were rewarded with a 5th place prize.

Julian Ebacher competed in Medical Law and Ethics and placed 2nd in his division. Zoey Anglin and McKaegan Gregory both qualified for State Leadership Conference and competed in their respective events.

Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center recently held a pinning ceremony for 15 Practical Nursing students who have completed the program since 2020. Twelve of the students were in attendance and 9 of them have sat for the NCLEX, passed and are working in the nursing field.
The Practical Nursing students complete 60 hours of lab, 82 clinical days, 90 nursing exams and 1 comprehensive final for a grand total of 1,463 hours to become a graduate of the program. This completion allows them to sit for the National Nursing exam aka the NCLEX.
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Short-Term Class / Effective Communication Skills

“Only one thing stands between you and success. It isn’t experience. It isn’t talent.”

It’s the ability to turn your communication Into connection. If you want to succeed, you must learn how to use communication to build relationships with people.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS – February 17, 2022 from 8:00am to 4:00pm. $99.

For more information call 405.643.3222 or visit our short-term courses site at mycktc.coursestorm.com/course/effective-communication-skills

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CKTC PLTW Program Recognized

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program was recently recognized for their hard work and dedication in the classroom.

To be eligible for the award, the school had to have offered, and had students enrolled, in at least three PLTW High School courses from any pathway during the 2020-21 school year. Also, at least 25% of students had to participate in PLTW High School courses from any pathway during the 2020-21 school year OR at least 33% of those students who participated during the 2020-21 school year had to take at least two PLTW courses. Lastly, the school had to have strategies and/or procedures in place to support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender, etc.

ABOVE: Caddo Kiowa Technology Center Instructors (L to R) Reed Allen (Pre-Engineering), Cassi Crowell (Biomedical Sciences) and Rhett Morgan (Pre-Engineering).

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS!

Are you unsure what’s next In your business?

Do you lay awake at night and wonder If your business Is ever going to grow? If you are looking for ways to grow your business from online companies to farming to retail to agriculture and everything In between, you need this thought provoking program built using the “disruption model” of thinking. Everything Is on the table and will be discussed to help you achieve your goals. All of us are smarter than one of us!

More info on course: https://mycktc.coursestorm.com/course/growing-your-business

Apache Farmer’s Coop Receives Partners for Progress Award at 2021 OkACTE Awards Banquet

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center is pleased to honor the Apache Farmer’s Coop as their Partner in Progress. Apache Farmer’s Coop is comprehensive service center handling a complete line of products for today’s farmers and ranchers. Headquartered in Apache, Oklahoma, it is the leading agricultural industry provider in the Caddo Kiowa district. Apache Farmer’s Coop is a progressive and dynamic business dedicated to agricultural sustainment, environmental care, client satisfaction, and employee stewardship. 

The long standing partnership between the Coop and Caddo Kiowa Technology Center provides extensive outreach in community education, short term trainings, client based services, ag business management, and safety training. 

Apache Farmer’s Coop sends numerous employees to the Caddo Kiowa Crop Care Professional program. The Crop Care program trains for the complexities of modern pesticide and fertilizer services. The program develops awareness of product safety, environmental oversight, and precision ag application. This Crop Care Professional program significantly impacts Apache Farmer’s Coop’s safeguard practices, job retention and customer relations. 

Above: L to R: CKTC Superintendent Tony Hancock, CKTC Ag Business Management Coordinator Keith Brownback, Apache Farmer’s Coop Agronomy Manager, Dennis Crow and CKTC Business & Industry Services Director John Noel at the 2021 OkACTE Awards Banquet.

Caddo Kiowa Tech Center’s Truck Driver Training Program is another proven relational partnership. Not only do graduates seeking CLD employment get hired by the Apache Farmer’s Coop, but the Coop sends select employees through the program for career advancement.

The Apache Farmer’s Coop believes in employee growth. The Washita Valley Leadership Program enriches local leaders through mentorship, team building, governance, youth and education, area agriculture, and economic development. The Apache Farmer’s Coop has been an avid supporter of the leadership program since inception 26 years ago, providing support through educational tours, informational sessions, and sponsoring employee attendance.

Apache Farmer’s Coop began in 1920 and have been in service for over 100 years. They have grown to service four sites in southwest Oklahoma, employing more than 40 full time employees. The Apache Farmer’s Coop is a strong supporter of the local FFA programs, and aim to provide for the community through providing revenue, jobs, and foundational support.