"[FIRST] is an event kind of like the World Wresteling Federation, but for smart people."

-- Former President George H. W. Bush

We are SWARM, FIRST Team 957. FIRST, of course, stands for 'For Inspiration and Recognitition of Science and Technology'. FIRST has been a positive influence upon high-school students for many years, helping them to find people with similar interests and a group enviroment that nurtures creativity and genius.

SWARM is the merger of South (Team 1130) and West (Team 957) Albany, two highschools that have decided to put aside their rivalry and join forces in order to create one amazing robotics team. The plan has thus far succeeded and the combined team has twenty students who have managed to become blind to the geographic differences between the two schools.

The West Albany High-School Team, formerly Watson, started in 2002. Throughout their eight years they have managed to win several prestigious awards, including the Chairman's Award in 2005 and the Woodie Flowers award in 2009.

The South Albany High-School Team, formerly The Phantoms, started in 2003. However it took a three year hiatus from 2005-2008. In their time they have won several awards, including the Rookie of the Year Award in 2003 and the Team Spirit Award in 2005.