The Orcutt Academy High School Robotics Team, nicknamed Spartatroniks, awoke to quite a surprise while attending its season’s first competition last month. The trailer that transports the team’s roadie crates, tools and other equipment was stolen from a Ventura hotel parking lot. 
           The team had to scramble to find a trailer to transport its equipment home, and there was concern about the team’s ability to financially recover. “This surprise really hurt the team financially and emotionally,” said the team’s mentor and treasurer Rick Soto. “Recovering from this kind of loss is really hard.” 
           Three local groups came to the team’s rescue. Donations from CoastHills Credit Union, the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club made possible the purchase of a new trailer that will be painted with the team’s logo so that it will be easier to recognize and harder to steal. 
           “We are really thankful for all the support everyone has shown for us,” said Spartatroniks member Xavier Zarate. 
           To learn more about the Orcutt Academy Robotics Team, visit www. spartatroniks.com.