Monday, July 14, 2025
Team Chaos Inc., Baldwin High School’s robotics team, recently powered through tough competition at the 2025 FIRST Robotics Long Island Regional, held at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
The event, part of the FIRST Robotics Competition, is a national program run by For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, a nonprofit that promotes STEM education through real-world engineering challenges.
The regional featured 48 teams, including two from Mumbai, India.
The remaining teams represented schools across New York City and Long Island, with Baldwin among several teams from Nassau County.
This year’s game, called REEFSCAPE, challenged teams to build robots capable of completing a series of tasks — some autonomously and others controlled by student drivers. The game simulates real-world engineering problems and emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving and technical skills.
Teams compete in rotating alliances, and all teams receive the same set of materials to build their robots.
Chaos, led by coach Justin Funkenberg, a graduating senior, and technology teacher Vincent Leis, is comprised of team members Giovanni Siena-Horowitz, driver; Kevin Rottkamp, a manipulator; Wayne Jean Baptiste, a human player; and Isaiah Ramsey, a technician.
The team posted a 7-3 record in the qualifying rounds, including a seven-match winning streak.
They were ranked 14th at the end of the first day and finished 15th overall.
In one of its standout performances, Baldwin’s alliance won Match 49 by a score of 135–96.
“To me, strong teamwork really made a difference when it came to Match 49 at the 2025 Hofstra Regional,” Funkenberg said.
“We were matched up against teams that were all ranked within the top 20 at the time,” he added. Even against such tough opponents, our alliance stayed focused through constant communication and quick strategy adjustments.
Through these values and on-the-fly adjustment, we were able to win. Without strong teamwork, this feat likely would not have been accomplished.”
Funkenberg said the team maintained its edge throughout the competition by building strong relationships with alliance partners and staying organized behind the scenes.
“To stay prepared and coordinated during matches, our team emphasized open communication and developed a routine for success,” he said.
“We always reviewed the match schedule, scouted other teams, and, most importantly, built a sense of teamwork with our alliance partners before heading into each match. During each match, we made sure that no matter what, each of our matches was a winning one as we found a groove on our seven-game winning streak.”
Leis praised the students’ performance and dedication.
“The energy, the strategy and the execution were unmatched, making this an unforgettable experience for Team Chaos Inc.,” Leis said. “The team stuck to the game plan, executing flawlessly, and it showed.”
For 21 years, Baldwin has participated in the FIRST Robotics program, which was founded in 1989 and now serves hundreds of thousands of students worldwide through hands-on, project-based STEM learning and competitions.
At Baldwin High School, robotics is part of a broader push for career-connected learning through the district’s Baldwin 2035 academic plan.
Students work with professional-grade tools and software, including design programs and fabrication equipment.
The robotics team gives them the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges with strict deadlines and technical demands.
“Being part of Chaos Inc. and FIRST Robotics sparked my passion for STEM by showing me how exciting real-world problem-solving can be,” Funkenberg said. “I learned to design, build, and lead under pressure.
I feel that FIRST Robotics has given me the platform to sharpen my communication skills and earn lifetime friendships. It’s made me want to pursue a STEM career where I can innovate and make an impact because, whether we are an engineer or not, engineering can be found all around us.”
