Teams from dozens of schools across the state gathered this weekend to compete during the 2014 First Robotics District Competition at St. Joseph High School. Celebrity inventor Dean Kamen also made a surprised visit. It was amazing to see the amount of enthusiasm and excitement these kids have for the sport. The level of intensity rivaled any high school sporting event. FIRST ROBOTICSTeams prepare to compete Friday, March 28, 2014, during the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition held at St. Joseph High School, in St. Joseph, Mich. The event features 40 high school teams and their robots from across the state. Organizers say the robotics competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.(AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell) Don Campbell / HP staff
Teams attempt to fire balls through targets during the elimination rounds of the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition Saturday, March 29, 2014, at St. Joseph High School. FIRST ROBOTICSCelebrity Inventor Dean Kamen, center, and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, right, chat with the Excel 2474 robotics team, Friday, March 28, 2014, during the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition held at St. Joseph High School, in St. Joseph, Mich. The event features 40 high school teams and their robots from across the state. Organizers say the robotics competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.(AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell) FIRST ROBOTICSJermonia Burrell, left, and Robbie Overton, work on the Benton Harbor High School team's robot Friday, March 28, 2014, during the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition held at St. Joseph High School, in St. Joseph, Mich. The event features 40 high school teams and their robots from across the state. Organizers say the robotics competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.(AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell) Don Campbell / HP staff
Ben Luckett, center, with St. Joseph High School's robotic team, the Average Joes, celebrates a win during the elimination rounds of the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition Saturday, March 29, 2014, at St. Joseph High School. FIRST ROBOTICSDon Campbell / HP staff
Staff watch monitors Friday, March 28, 2014, during the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition held at St. Joseph High School, in St. Joseph, Mich. The event features 40 high school teams and their robots from across the state. Organizers say the robotics competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.(AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell) FIRST ROBOTICSA collection box for excess robot parts is pictured Friday, March 28, 2014, during the 2014 FIRST Robotics District Competition held at St. Joseph High School, in St. Joseph, Mich. The event features 40 high school teams and their robots from across the state. Organizers say the robotics competition combines the excitement of a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help high school students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be.(AP Photo/The Herald-Palladium, Don Campbell)