In an arena in the Westview Middle School gym, 12-year-old Michael Ballard deftly controlled a robot to pick up purple rings and balance a seesaw. Michael battled not only the clock, but an opposing team in the obstacle course.

The setup was part of the first districtwide VEX robotics competition of the school year Saturday in Longmont. The kickoff involved robotics teams from middle schools across the St. Vrain Valley School District.

When asked about his favorite part Saturday, Michael said: “Definitely competing and fixing the robot when it gets damaged.”