Team Lead

This is my third year in FTC. I was on team #11528 for two years and one of those years we were on the winning alliance at states. I have always been on the hardware and CAD side of things. My 2nd year I was hardware lead and this year I am team lead. Robotics has created many great friendships and memories and I hope to create more of these for my team members. 

Software Team Lead

My name is Preston Cokis and this is my 2nd year with FTC. For my first year I was on #11528 The Bots of Prey. I work on the software, but I try to get involved with hardware when I can. Even when I'm busy with school work, I try to participate the most I can. Everyone I have met has been kind and passionate. I look forward to working with them and I hope the upcoming years can be as great. 

Head Coach

My name is Caleb Basham I've been doing FTC since 10th Grade. I am currently a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Before starting Fire On The Mountain, I was an alum of FTC 11528 The Bots of Prey. I did FTC for 3 years and held the position of Hardware Lead during my second season, and Team Lead during my third season. During my season as Team Lead, I led the Bots of Prey to become a member of the 2022 NC State Winning Alliance. FTC change my life and helped me discover my passion for engineering and robotics. I started Fire on the Mountain in order to help others find their passions. I am excited to mentor this group of brilliant individuals and help them reach their full potential.

Assistant Coach

My name is Cole Meyer, and I am a Fire On The Mountain mentor. I am a current Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Before Fire On The Mountain, I was a part of FTC team #11528, The Bots of Prey. I participated in FTC for four years and held the position of Co-Team Lead for three of those. FIRST helped me discover my passion for engineering. Starting Fire on the Mountain is my way of assisting new students in learning and developing their passion for STEM. 

Mentor

My name is Braylon Parker. This is my fifth year doing robotics through FTC. I have spent over 1000 hours working with robots hardware-wise. As well as participating in many FTC scrimmages, qualifiers and state competitions.  FTC has been my entire life for the past couple of years. FTC has changed my life and inspired me to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering.  

Business Manager

My name is Nicholas Paciariello and I am the head of finance for Fire on the Mountain Robotics. I am currently an undergraduate student at Elon University double-majoring in Finance and Business Analytics. I have experience working as an intern with financial advisors since 2018. I am excited to be apart of this team and work alongside the team members. 

Outreach/Sustainability Mentor

I am a student at UNC Charlotte majoring in Construction Management. I am also in a band: The Tyson Brothers Band, and we play all around our local triangle. I did FTC when I was in high school from 9th grade to 12th grade (2016-2021). While school and my music has kept me busy, I have always had a passion and love for robotics and FIRST. It has given me so many great memories, friendships, and life lessons. I look forward to creating those same things with Fire On The Mountain!

Engineering Mentor

My name is Tristan Tyson. I am a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am an alum and co-founder of FTC Robotics team 11528 (Bots of Prey). I had 2 amazing years of FTC experience in High School and continued to mentor the Bots of Prey during my 4 years in college. I am currently a Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineer at Southwire, working in production automation and optimization. While at UNC-Charlotte, I worked on a variety of robotics projects ranging from automated sorting robots to semi-autonomous vehicle development. During my time on the Bots of Prey, we established an identity of hard work, gracious professionalism, and most importantly - having fun doing it! I am delighted to mentor these fine individuals. I want to help them realize their full potential and have an amazing time doing it - creating life long memories and friendships in the process.