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The Ohio County Board of Education had plenty of praise for the recent "Gateway to the West" robotics tournament at the Highlands Sports Complex presented by Ohio County Schools.
And that praise was for good reason.
Thousands of competitors, coaches, families and spectators packed the complex over four days to watch some of the best high school and middle school robotics teams in the country go head to head. Teams from Florida to California to Canada took part.
"We got a lot of compliments," Ohio Count Board of Education member Erik Schramm said. "People realized when they went -- and there were people who went who had no connection to the school district -- that it was a larger event than the Super Six with over 1,000 kids (participating).There were parents there four days, and there were hotel rooms full."
Considering how integral the Super Six has been to Ohio County and its economy over the decades, that's pretty lofty company to be in.
And if "Gateway to the West" returns, the event should only get better from here. Ohio County robotics teams have advanced quickly in that universe of competition, reaching the world championships multiple times. They know what a top-notch event looks like. They put one on at the Highlands Sports Complex, and they have the know-how and innovative thinking to improve on it in the future.
The tournament could grow into a signature event not just for interscholastic robotics, but for Ohio County as well. The Highlands Sports Complex provides a great venue. The Highlands itself provides plenty of options for lodging and dining, and its location off Interstate 70 and proximity to the Pittsburgh International Airport make it an exceptional site for the event.
Everyone involved should do what they can to bring "Gateway to the West" back next year. Through the success of their maiden voyage, they've earned the opportunity to evolve into something even better.