Our Team
Team 1731 has been able to maintain a small, intimate team over the years. We have moved from building in a small room at our mentor’s farm, using hand tools, and limited practice space; to having a dedicated building with a metal lathe, CNC Router, industrial drilling and cutting capabilities; and building a three-fourths size practice field.
Team Structure
Mission & Values
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well- rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. This program is designed for High School students, who will benefit from the program, as well as all the lives they are able to touch. Our goal is to accomplish this mission while striving to live by the words in Philippians 2:3-4.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Believing that God is the creator of all things including mentors, students and the physical world we are exploring, the leadership of the Fresta Valley Robotics Club program believes that God’s Word is applicable to all things we do. Students should expect that the skills described above will be taught using biblical principles. This will include times of prayer and Bible memorization.
Team 1731
Alumni
David Hogan
Lakeland, FL
(2008-2014)
I work in aviation maintenance, specializing in fighter aircraft weapons systems, while pursuing a bachelor's in occupational safety. Team 1731 was instrumental in shaping my future, expanding my skills in engineering, coding, mechanics, and electrical systems thanks to Brent Leppke and the team of mentors.
Noah Wilson
Fort Myers, FL
(2015-2017)
Being part of Team 1731 taught me the value of teamwork and the impact of FIRST robotics on our community. As the media lead, I gained confidence, connected with teammates, and stepped out of my comfort zone to capture key moments. The excitement of competitions and the incredible venues made the experience even more unforgettable.
Issac Stevic
NOVA
(2015-2018)
I studied Recording Arts and Show Production at The Florida Institute for Recording, Sound, and Technology. Being on Team 1731’s media team taught me the power of teamwork—how every role, no matter how small, contributes to a bigger picture, and nothing compares to the excitement of discovering we had qualified for the world championship.
Sam Clinard
Salt Lake City, UT
(2010-2014)
I earned a B.S. in Physics from the University of Virginia in 2019 and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. My FIRST experience in prototyping and robotics helped bridge the gap in my mechatronics training, leading to the development of a robotic sensor now used in over 15 international ultrasound labs and ultimately securing my place in graduate school.
Miranda Cullison
Lynchburg, VA
(2017-20149
I am in my senior year of Nursing school, and Team 1731 helped me develop teamwork and communication skills that prepared me for working in a hospital setting. FRC also pushed me out of my comfort zone, giving me responsibilities that built my confidence—one of my favorite memories was when our team quickly fixed a broken robot in the finals and went on to win the competition.
Patrick Cardine
Midland, VA
(2018-2022
I am studying for my Associate of Engineering at Laurel Ridge Community College, and Team 1731 gave me invaluable skills and confidence. From building Esther McFiddle to applying robotics knowledge in Arduino programming and robotic design, my experience continues to shape my future in mechatronic engineering.
Jacob Benjamin
Marshall, VA
(2013-2016)
I am a Senior Software Engineer at Definitive Logic with a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland: Global Campus. Team 1731 introduced me to Agile methodologies, low-code development, and stakeholder communication—skills that have shaped my career in modernizing business processes for federal agencies.
Sam Clinard
Salt Lake City, UT
(2010-2014)
I earned a B.S. in Physics from the University of Virginia in 2019 and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. My FIRST experience in prototyping and robotics helped bridge the gap in my mechatronics training, leading to the development of a robotic sensor now used in over 15 international ultrasound labs and ultimately securing my place in graduate school.
Support Team 1731
Team Merchandise
You asked for it! You got it! The new Team 1731 merchandise store. We receive a portion of the sales price and this will help fund the team.
Sport some new style and show everyone who your favorite FIRST team is by wearing our gear!
Check back often for new products.
