Fulton Gear Grinders

The Gear Grinders are a school based FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team from Fulton, Illinois. Currently, the team is made up of students ranging from 7th to 12th grade. The Gear Grinders evolved from the original team named River Bend Red, which was formed in 2016. Our name reflects the challenges we had worked through during our rookie season. Our robot that 1st season challenged our team’s programming and engineering skills; our gears were definitely grinding, both figuratively and literally. It only seemed fitting when a team member suggested the name Gear Grinders. Regardless of the challenges, the Gear Grinders have continually improved each season. During the 2018-2019 season, the team was 2nd place for the Control Award and Captain of the 2nd Team Alliance, moving on to the Illinois State Championship. During the 2019-2020 season the team won the Motivate Award and was chosen as the 2nd team alliance partner. Again moving on to the 2020 Illinois state competition.