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Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
31 Pairs Of Comfy Shoes Your Feet Will Love
Floral ballet flats that'll really up your shoe game, thanks to the oh-so-adorable cutouts that also allow your feet to breathe. Plus, they're so darn flexible, you can easily roll them up to pack for your vacays! Vintage Reebok sneakers to add a lil' retro vibe to your OOTD. They're so versatile that you can pair 'em with anything — dresses, skirts, sweats, you name it — and you'll absolutely slay while staying comfy all day. The midsoles are designed to absorb impact, and the padded foam sock liners will keep your feet nice and cushy. New Balance 574 Core Sneakers that are a cult-favorite, and deservedly so. Not only are they incredibly stylish, but they also feel like plush clouds with every step you take, thanks to the EVA midsole. Promising review: "I'm in love with these shoes! I love the look of them which I feel is very retro. The sizing is perfect as described. They are extremely comfortable and durable. I bought them before completing a month of walking 100 miles and they held up perfectly!" —A. WieseGet them from Amazon for $89.99 (available in sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and eight colors). Braided sandals, your new go-to summer shoes because why have flip-flops when you can have a plethora of straps?! The braids may look a lil' scratchy but fear not, they're soft AND adjustable. You can either dress them up for a fancy brunch or down for a walk on the beach — no matter what, you're going to look 🎶 H-O-T-T-O-G-O 🎶 !!! FYI, these are best suited for narrow to medium-sized feet. Promising reviews: "These sandals are like cotton candy clouds for your feet. Basically the Rolls-Royce of sandals." —A. Alphonse"Comfort is a key feature that sets Plaka sandals apart from the rest. The soft and flexible sole provides excellent cushioning and support, making them incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods. The sandals conform to the natural curves of my feet, offering a glove-like fit that feels like walking on clouds. The adjustable straps ensure a customized and secure fit, allowing me to walk with ease and without any discomfort or blisters." —AshleyGet them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in whole sizes 5–11 and in 24 colors). Sorel wedge sandals with molded platform soles that'll give you the extra height you so desire without the pain. You'll be able to walk for miles without any aches because of the secure straps and molded EVA footbed! Braided heel sandals to rock it out on the dance floor at your bestie's wedding without having to take your shoes off before the "Cupid Shuffle" comes on. Heels that won't make your feet ache and throb? Yes, please!!! Handmade mules if you want to look as chic as possible (ofc you do)! These have pointed toes, gorgeous cutouts, and a slight heel — aren't you obsessed? Because I sure am. Zou Xou Shoes is a Black woman-owned business that has been creating handcrafted shoes by Argentinian shoemakers since 2015. The styles are easy and classic so they can be worn for years. These mules are handmade to order in European sizes, and they suggest sizing up. See the sizing chart (last photo on the listing) for more details!Promising review: "These shoes are very high quality and feel like butter every time I put them on. They only took two wears to break in and are one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. Make sure to size up if you plan on ordering these beautiful shoes!" —gingerbread24Get them from Zou Xou Shoes on Etsy for $254 (available in European sizes 36-42, or US sizes 5.5–11). Mesh sneakers that are sooo comfy, reviewers have run 5Ks, hiked for miles, and stood for up to 18 hours in these bad boys without feeling any pain! Espadrille platform sandals so your feet can stay pain-free during sunshine-filled walks through the streets of Italy. Psst — reviewers with wide feet love these and say they fit perfectly! Allbirds Tree Runners — you *shouldn't* get these if you hate ridiculously lightweight and comfortable shoes. They're made with eucalyptus tree fibers (#sustainable, yay) so they're super breathable, aka your feet won't be marinating in sweat. If they do get sweaty or dirty, though, you can just toss 'em in the washing machine! Allbirds are known for their superior comfort, and the Tree Runners are no exception. Its shoelaces are even made from recycled plastic bottles!Note: Be sure to let them air dry after washing. Promising review: "Why did I wait so long??? I wish I could wear these shoes all day for everything! They're so comfortable and lightweight." —Stone, them from Allbirds for $100 (available in whole sizes 5–11 and 21 colors). Quick-drying, long-lasting Teva midform sandals since wearing hiking shoes in the middle of summer feels like walking through a swamp — yuck, no thanks! These are cute enough to wear to festivals, amusement parks, and everything in between, and they come in so many colors and designs that you're guaranteed to find one that fits your vibe. Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers because we don't have time to be tying our shoes in the morning! Reviewers say these give off Vans vibes but prefer these because they're way comfier — Dr. Scholl did not come to play with the cushioned insoles and arch support. Rhinestone pointed slip-on mules that are begging to be put in your cart because everything is better when it's ~bedazzled~. If you're on your feet all day long but want to add some bling-bling to your 'fit, you need these because they have both arch *and* heel support. Stretchy knit Rothy's flats, which run a little more on the expensive side but are totally worth the splurge because they're like heaven for your feet. They're made with a soft, stretchy material so you don't even have to break them in — I bet you didn't even think that was possible with flats, huh? *Plus* they're machine washable, so when they get sweaty and stinky, just toss 'em in the laundry! Or breathable pointed-toe ballet flats that come in such unique and fun prints and colors! The toe box is five degrees wider than standard pointed flats so your piggies won't feel cramped and suffocated. They have heel padding to prevent blisters (need), arch support (NEED), and a shock-absorbing midsole. (NEEEEED!!!) *Or* some budget-friendly ballet flats with over 48,000 5-star ratings — I mean, it just makes sense. The insoles are padded memory foam AND have a heel pillow to relieve any pressure (thank you, comfort gods). Life hack: Reviewers love keeping these in their purse as a backup shoe whenever they have to wear heels! Sam Edelman loafers guaranteed to girl-bossify you. They're going to be your go-to office shoes because they'll look absolutely fire with slacks, a skirt, and yes, even a dress. Birkenstock sandals so you can enjoy your hot girl walks without any pain because the footbed molds to the shape of your feet, with a deep heel cup, arch support, and raised toe bar providing unmatched comfort. Break these bad boys in, and you'll finally understand all the hype around Birks. Huarache sandals with leather strips woven into a hypnotic design — if you stare at these long enough, they'll probably talk you into buying them (but you won't regret it). They're 100% handmade and woven by Mexican artisans, so each pair is a little unique! Macarena Collection is a small biz based in Buena Park, California! Since they only make whole sizes, they suggest sizing down if you're in between sizes as the shoes will stretch and mold to your feet as you wear them. Promising review: "Can I give these 1,000 stars? They are soooooo comfortable!!! I was afraid because my feet are on the wider side, but oh my do they fit absolutely amazingly well!! Don't hesitate to buy them!! I love them! I love them! I Love them!!" —Jennifer BaezGet them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $48.74 (originally $64.99; available in sizes 5–10). Lightweight Tioseban sneakers — they're definitely shoes, but they *feel* a bit like socks because the stretchy, breathable mesh top expands with your feet as you walk! Sizing up a half size if you have wide feet is review: "I like these shoes so much, I bought two pairs. My feet are very narrow, and I have trouble finding shoes that fit without coming off my heels. These have the comfort band that makes them very comfortable." —Jane from MAGet them from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes 5–13, wide sizes, and in 32 colors). Lug sole sandals that'll seriously make a statement. They're so cute, so chunky, so lightweight — ugh, I'm obsessed. Reviewers say these earned them nonstop compliments, so don't say I didn't warn ya! High-top, platform Converse sneakers, aka the zhuzhed-up version of your classic Chuck Taylors. Not only do the platforms give you extra height, but they also provide an extra layer of cushioning! Nisolo flatform sandals, perfect for summer because their lightweight, breathable design won't let your feet overheat. Plus, you can strap 'em on and go for a 5-mile walk as soon as they arrive because they don't need a break-in period! Pillowy slippers that must have been made by the comfort gods themselves because over 800 reviewers say they're like walking on clouds ☁️ and as a proud owner of a pair myself, I wholeheartedly agree with that. Dr. Martens platform sandals with adjustable buckles (slay), super lightweight EVA soles (slaaay), and ripple tread platforms (SLAAAAY). Doc Martens always reign supreme in terms of style and quality, and the same is true of these adorable yet comfy sandals! 🙏 Breathable sport shoes you can slip on to play pickleball in the morning, run errands in the afternoon, and walk around the city at night — yup, they're that comfy. Plus, the stitching and adorable designs are to die for! Promising review: "I have never been compelled to write a review, but these shoes are soooo beautiful!!! I got the pink and gold and they are comfy and pretty. I cannot keep count of the total strangers on the street stopping me and saying how much they love my shoes and asking me where I got them!!! This price is amazing, and I truly can say I got bang for my buck! True to size, I'm an 8 and ordered the 8 and they fit perfectly." —Dora them from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes 6–11 and in eight colors). Fuzzy memory foam slippers so you can lounge around in style 24/7! But they're more than just adorable house slippers — they have waterproof, anti-slip soles so you can totally wear them to walk your doggo, grab the mail, and even go grocery shopping. Plus, the open-toe design makes them pretty breathable, so the fuzz won't make you overheat! Slip-on mules that are so elegant yet surprisingly comfy — perfect for wearing to the office, then straight to dinner with friends. They're also quite similar to Madewell's Gemma mules, so if you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative, these are just for you. Promising reviews: "I was so happy to find stylish shoes to fit my small feet (size 5)! That is not an easy feat these days. I love the shoes. When I first put them on, I did not think they were going to be comfortable. However, after I had worn them for just a short while, I realized they were actually very, very comfortable. They are also not smooth on the bottom but have a sole that has slight ridges, and therefore not slippery, which you find with some flats." —Karen Hulshouser "I really love these shoes. I've been eyeing the Madewell Gemma mules for months, but stumbled upon these and decided to take a chance. These are super comfortable and easy to walk in." —Hannah NewsomeGet them from Amazon for $35.97+ (available in sizes 5–11 and five colors and patterns). Platform sandals letting you have the 🎶 best of both worlds 🎶, aka the comfort of sandals and the stylish look of heels — a double life, if you will. They have cushioned insoles, adjustable ankle straps, and ridged soles that'll give you peak stability! A reliable pair of Crocs that may not be the *most* stylish of shoes but are definitely the comfiest. I think we should all be glad that these have made their comeback from the early 2000s because their cushy soles and ventilation ports are blessings for sweaty feet. Plus, you can add on some charms to give 'em personality! A pair of comfortable clogs because the Birkenstock Boston clogs are cute and all, but you know what's not? The hefty price. These look exactly the same, minus the logo — but let's be so real, no one's checking for that. And you know what's funny? A lot of reviewers actually think that these are comfier than Birks!
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everything You Need to Know About the 3rd House in Astrology
You've made it through the front door (1st House) of your birth chart, walked through the foyer (2nd House), and now here you are—welcome to the living room. In astrology, the 3rd House is associated with communication, your immediate environment, siblings (and sometimes cousins), early education, and short-distance travel. ICYMI, your birth chart is divided into 12 sections called houses, and each house rules over different areas of life. The 3rd House represents socialization that occurs quickly and without much thought. It's where social interactions unfold effortlessly, akin to the living room's role in a home. 'Member the viral challenges of the 2010s, from the Cupid Shuffle to the Harlem Shake? These pre-TikTok sensations mirror the 3rd House's essence: Quick to catch on, easy to share, and reflecting the mirroring nature of relationships. In the 3rd House, wisdom and wit passes between peers and family as easily as comments on the latest viral dance. Your birth chart's 3rd House thrives on this dynamic interplay, echoing the ongoing dialogue between us and our immediate world. Any drop of wisdom, trendy catchphrase, or backward wisdom falls into the 3rd House of astrology. You're going to need your birth information: Your date of birth, time of birth, and location of birth. Once you have that information, you can go ahead and download one of your favorite astrology apps to figure out what's going on with your 3rd House. If you want to make your life even simpler, use the astrology calculator below and keep reading for more information. Look at the way your birth chart is divided into 12 numbered sections, then see which zodiac sign corresponds with the 3. This birth chart calculator was created by in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website The 3rd House of astrology, ruled by fast-moving Mercury and vibrant Gemini, is a playroom of basic communication and interaction. Imagine it as a lively living room filled with a diverse mix of games—from the tongue-in-cheek jest of Cards Against Humanity to the strategic negotiations of Monopoly and the fast-paced decisions of Uno. This House is where we pick up the popular slang, vibe-defining catchphrases, and stumble upon unexpected wisdom amidst giggles and debates. Studying the astrological living room is like shuffling through a mixed bag of fun facts, jokes, and life hacks, where learning comes through the fun exchange of ideas rather than the meticulous study of rules. The 3rd House prefers the engaging TL;DR (too long, didn't read) summaries instead of getting too deep. Think instinctual thought vs. intuitive knowledge. Basically, the 3rd House is a living room of interesting ideas, where every brief chat, new dance, and funny phrase has the potential to catch on as an inside joke or social trend. Just keep in mind that just because an idea is passed with confidence—from an older brother or a charismatic friend—doesn't guarantee its truth. In this ever-evolving living room setting of the mind, visitors learn the art of communication, entertainment, and simplistic social bonding. As I mentioned, the zodiac sign and planet associated with the 3rd House are Gemini and Mercury! Mercury is literally the fastest-moving, bittiest, and most susceptible planet within our solar system. In fact, Mercury is only a little bit bigger than the Earth's Moon. Can you imagine being on Mercury? The Sun shines at least seven times brighter on Mercury than it does on Earth; retinol never stood a chance. Mercury's sensitivity to the Sun's influence can be compared to a summer's day–on the schoolyard. As you astro-experts know, in astrology, the Sun represents our ego, and Mercury represents communication. Philosophically speaking, without social expression, our egos or sense of self may cease to exist! The 3rd House represents how we begin to feel united with others, our instinctual icks, and our intuitive preferences. As the Sun of our siblings, peers, and early childhood figures shine their light on us, our sense of self and how we communicate is funneled through their social differences and similarities. Being associated with the zodiac sign Gemini places further emphasis on the swiftness in which we develop our 3rd House's tricks, treats, and quirks. Oh yummy, you have planets within your 3rd House of astrology? The planets within your 3rd House represents how you receive and comprehend rapid information. See it as a prompt to consider how nimble you are. For example, if you have Saturn in the 3rd House, perhaps you could benefit from considering how quickly you decide to adopt new catchphrases and behaviors. Accidentally saying a phrase out of context and inappropriately could cost you major cool points! With Saturn in the 3rd House, the astrological message might be that as astonishingly swift as Mercury is, you gain wisdom from slowing down the process. Have you ever heard the question 'if all your lil friends jump off the bridge, are you going to jump too?' (please tell me this isn't just a Black Mom thing, lol). The moral of that question outlines how Saturn in the 3rd House can be an absolute strength. Some of your friends or haters might call you 'slow' or joke about how you live under a rock, but you received the universal gift of critical thought. You're not going to dive into a bad situation just because everyone else is doing it. Another planetary example is the Sun in the 3rd House, which basically means that *you* are the subject of quick trends and communication. Perhaps you're frequently copied or are the trendsetter of your friend group. Popular, much? To have planets transiting your 3rd House is to have the universe take you by your inner child and say, "Hey, dude, remember that cringy moment when you thought mustaches were cool? Yeah, so you put mustache stickers on everything, because everyone was doing it, you kept doing it after everyone stopped and no one gave you the memo. Creeper!" A transiting planet within your 3rd House is akin to having a visitor chilling in your living room. You know they're going to leave eventually, but while you're there, you start picking up and potentially appreciating their vibe. For example, let's say you know that Venus is coming over. If you're an introspective cosmic cutie, then you know you should probably clean up your astrological living room by observing 3rd House themes unique to you and getting yourself in order. When studying planetary transits within your 3rd House it helps to know about the planet paying you a visit. Venus is the planet associated with beauty and love, therefore, once she enters your living room, you can expect to reflect on how you've learned to flirt, ideas gained from siblings that inform your perspectives on dating, and that hot little thing you do with your face because you casually picked it up during locker room talk. As the planet comes and goes from your living room, the themes associated with that planet will cause you to reflect on how you picked up certain patterns, behaviors, and habits. Maybe this transit is urging you to stop using your tongue to tie cherry stems into knots, because this you're not in undergrad anymore. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Los Angeles Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Next Level Wedding Entertainment Trends That Will Guarantee a Show-Stopping Celebration
If you're planning a wedding this year and hoping your guests out of their chairs and onto the dance floor to celebrate, these days it takes more than the Cupid Shuffle and Cha Cha Slide. Moving beyond standard DJs and traditional wedding bands, the latest wedding entertainment trends focus on immersive, interactive, and customized experiences that showcase couples' distinctive personalities. We spoke to eight wedding experts and artists to help you find the most exciting entertainment trends to consider embracing for your big day. Bookmark this guide to learn the most innovative ways to entertain your guests! Instead of choosing a DJ or a musician, why not embrace the best of both worlds? Couples are opting for hybrid music productions that help create a lively and dynamic ambiance that cater to varied musical tastes. 'One of the more recent trends we've noticed is the development of a hybrid music production,' declares Daniel Scocco, DJ and founder of Baroque Agency. 'Rather than creating a dilemma among the choice of live bands or a DJ, modern weddings have been adopting a hybrid set, including both forms of entertainment. With the DJ acting as the true maestro of the party, they're backed by a group of real instruments and musicians.' When it comes to the type of musician to support the DJ, instrumentalists such as electric violinists, modern saxophonists, and harpists have become very popular. 'Violin has always been a popular instrument for wedding ceremonies, but recently, couples have been asking to include electric violin for their dance parties,' adds Natalie Wiegand, a Venice-based electric violinist, founder of ViolinVibez and co-founder of duo Elektric Heart. 'I typically coordinate with the wedding DJ to do a surprise performance (or a few) throughout the evening. Live instruments are a great way to make the dance party even more interactive and special.' One standout entertainment trend is the inclusion of live wedding painters. It adds a nostalgic, romantic charm to the celebration and the final painting becomes a keepsake for the couple. 'Live wedding painters capture moments in real-time—whether it's the couple's first dance or the ceremony itself—onto canvas as guests watch the artwork come to life,' states Reshma Ramaiah, director of US operations and co-founder of Resh&Co. 'More than just entertainment, it's an emotional experience for everyone present, and guests love witnessing a unique piece of art unfolding before their eyes.' More weddings are featuring awe-inspiring performances by speciality artists such as acrobatic dancers, magicians, and themed greeters. 'While specialty entertainment is certainly not taking the place of musical entertainment, couples are embracing immersive and personalized entertainment. Popular talents include themed greeters, fire dancers for beach celebrations, living statues, musical enhancements, and even acts such as magicians,' mentions Brittny Drye, wedding expert and editor-in-chief of Love Inc. Magazine. 'To keep it from feeling forced, select specialty acts with intention. And timing is key. You don't want to pile one right after the other. Sprinkle them throughout the evening. Your guests will appreciate the surprise and delight.' For destination weddings, couples are choosing local performers and celebratory rituals to entertain their guests. 'As a unique experience for wedding receptions, we offer the Kagami Biraki ceremony,' says Mariko Isono, wedding planner for Park Hyatt Kyoto, 'In ancient Japan, warriors performed the Kagami Biraki ceremony to raise morale and inspire each other before heading to battle. This ritual involves the lid of a sake barrel ceremonially broken open with wooden mallets, symbolizing a new beginning and good fortune. After the lid is broken, the sake is shared with all guests in a communal celebration.' Firework displays are being elevated with high-tech drone shows, crafting a spectacular display for guests. 'Custom drone shows are a big wedding entertainment trend right now. Recent wedding guests had a drone show with over 100 synchronized drones that created the brides and groom's alma matters, puppies, and personal passions in the sky over the resort – it was truly jaw-dropping,' remarks Pamela Wolter, director of sales at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Couples today don't just want a dance floor. They want a multi-sensory journey where music and visual storytelling come together to showcase their love story in real time. 'One trend we're especially excited about is a hologram act, curated to be truly one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. This 3D visual experience is meticulously choreographed to stay in perfect sync with audio and lighting, creating a surreal, immersive performance that leaves guests in awe. It's not just entertainment, it's a moment of magic,' says DJ AJ (Arjun Shah). Brides and grooms who love music festivals are creating a festival-like experience for their guests. They are spending on elaborate light and sound systems to craft a 'wedding rave' ambiance. 'Another trend I've noticed has been to create your own 'wedding rave.' I've seen couples splurge on big lighting and laser setups and also requesting the DJs move away from more traditional wedding DJ playlists to play more dance tracks or fun remixes of their favorite songs,' adds electric violinist Natalie Wiegand. 'Last year, I was DJing a wedding in Palm Springs for a couple who love house and techno music. They mentioned that they were big fans of the Boiler Room series. So, we decided to get creative and turned the whole dancefloor into a Boiler Room-like set up with the DJ console in the middle of the dancefloor and guests all around it,' says Zorawar Shukla, DJ and CEO of Desi Beat Collective. 'They even streamed it live for all their friends and family around the world. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience!'
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kim Mulkey joins LSU team for Flex Line Dance before showdown against Florida State
Kim Mulkey joins LSU team for Flex Line Dance before showdown against Florida State Show Caption Hide Caption Women's NCAA March Madness: Keys to a deep run Local reporters break down some of the top teams, and their keys to victory in the 2025 March Madness tournament. The LSU Tigers women's basketball team is dancing in March Madness. Literally. Ahead of the Tigers' second-round matchup against the Florida State Seminoles on Monday, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey joined her team as they let loose and performed the Flex Line Dance on the court at Pete Maravich Assembly Center with musician Cupid, the creator of the line dance and "Cupid Shuffle." Mulkey was donning a white pullover when she jumped in to showcase her dance moves. She later switched to a bedazzled cerulean blue suit jacket and a pair of white trousers for tip-off against the Seminoles. The Tigers are looking to return to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Chicago Tribune
07-03-2025
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
In just its third year, Chicago Christian's robotics team makes state
There was a break in the action during the 2025 Illinois FIRST Tech Challenge last weekend at Elgin Community College. What do you do when you have time to kill waiting for the top high school teams in the state to operate their respective robots and compete in head-to-head challenges? You do the Cupid Shuffle. Well, some do. Ryan Verver, a chemistry teacher at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights and coach of the robotics team, RoboKnights, wasn't one of those who busted a move, but his team made the big dance, advancing to state competition for the first time in just the third year of a program he created. 'The kids are really into this and the amount of time they've put in is huge,' he said. 'A piece of the robot fell off in our first match, so we kind of shot ourselves in the foot there and then we ended up facing one of the top seeds, which had gotten upset earlier, so that was a tough break.' The RoboKnights were one of 44 teams that earned an opportunity to compete in the state championship after finding success at one of the FIRST Tech Challenge qualifying events, the South Suburban League Tournament in West Chicago on Feb. 1. 'We got unlucky with a lot of stuff and some things didn't go our way, and that happens sometimes,' RoboKnights junior builder and coder Josiah Kuecker said. 'No one to really blame there, and then we also have next year. We have one senior (Dylan Bresinger) graduating and he's the photographer so our core team is all going to be here so I'm pretty confident about next year and looking forward to that too.' Kuecker is still recovering from the fall soccer season where he helped his team advance to the sectional finals for just the second time in program history. He joined the RoboKnights this season as the program continues to thrive thanks to the addition of kids like him. 'I've always been interested in STEM and engineering,' he said. 'And I took an engineering class sophomore year and just had a lot of friends on the team.' Sophomore Caleeya Coleman, who's also director of outreach and awards for the RoboKnights, is proud of what they've been able to accomplish in a short time. 'Some days go wrong and you have good days and bad days,' she said. 'But we're still a team and I'm really proud of everybody and what we've been able to accomplish. I think this year it was more about our team dynamic.' Junior Stephen Gordon, director of scouting for the RoboKnights, is in his third year with the team. 'The fact we made it to state is one great accomplishment we take from this,' he said. 'We were a rookie team three years ago when I started. So we started mentoring and went from six people the year before last to 21 people now this year so it's big.' Gordon also is a member of the mock trial team at Chicago Christian and plays volleyball, a sport he will transition into this spring now that the robotics season is over. 'I never did anything like this before freshman year,' he said. 'The fact is that Mr. Verver does a very good job of displaying his passion, and his passion is robotics. He came from the Ironclad Robotics (at Bradley-Bourbonnais) after two years and then started the club here. He brought up the idea to us as freshmen and I was into that. I love computers.' Everyone seemingly played a part in extending Chicago Christian's season into March and the unchartered waters of battling other elite teams in the state championship tournament. Other RoboKnights this season included Kyle Derks, Timmy McKee, Hayden Scott, Aiden Soucek, Ryan Vanden Bosch and Cohen VanWyk. Another first for the RoboKnights this year was the creation of a second team. Evan Derks, Sophia Dinovo, Dylan Lester, Duncan Olson, Sammy Salinas, Winta Samson, Jase Schultz, Briana Sitko, Nathaniel Walter and Jayden Zhang are among those who competed earlier this season for 26980 RoboKnights Reloaded. While the state qualifying matches were the most memorable for the kids, it was that first match way back in early November at Bradley-Bourbonnais when Verver realized knew he had something special brewing at the Palos Heights school. 'Our first meet I wasn't sure how good we were going to be,' he said. 'And then our very first match when we did a perfect autonomous and then I just realized we had a very good and a special team. I didn't know if we'd go all the way to state but it was a special moment to know we were going to be a top team in the league this year.'
