10 Factorial
Every Second Counts
10 Factorial - Team 6817
About Us
We are a team based out of the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center, located in Rolla, Missouri.
We are a team dedicated to teaching STEM to others, while having a fun time in FRC competitions.
Our Story
FIRST Team 6817, 10 Factorial, was formed in August of 2017 with eight members. The intent was to extend the Rolla Robotics program, which was composed of four FTC teams. The students who had experience on FTC were able to give those with less experience a basic understanding of what it takes to be a FIRST team. They explained all the processes that are required of a FIRST team, such as managing a budget, discussing fundraising ideas (silent auction, trivia night, movie night, etc.), and communicating with businesses properly. 10 Factorial has come a long way since 2017. We now have a stable shop, a well-rounded team, and an independent group.
Meet Team 6817
The Coach
Louis McCarthy
Louis is a Project Manager at Brewer Science, Inc. He received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri S&T) and was an active member of the national champion solar car team. He uses the skills learned there to mentor the team in mechanical, electrical, software, and design and fabrication. In his spare time, he is coach to FTC team 27023 and plays trombone for the World’s Finest Rolla German Band, town band, and pit orchestra. He also sings tenor in the Rolla Men of Song. Louis mentors to give students the opportunity to try new things and hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Mentors
Hovhannes Avagya
Hovhannes Avagyan is a Software Engineer at Viasat who builds and operates ground systems for performing the signal processing core function in global satellite networks. He received his Bachelor of Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech where he participated in programs like CubeSat and ThinSat. He participated in FRC in high school and this drove him to pursue a career in engineering. This led him to participate as a mentor to help inspire the future engineers of the world.
Ben Atkins
Ben graduated high school from Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, MO, participating in eight years of FIRST programs, from FIRST LEGO League to FRC (Team #4256). He wants to give back time to the program that led him to pursue a Mechanical Engineering Degree at Missouri S&T, while providing help and guidance, honoring his past mentors and edifying current students. His specialties have always been drive-coaching, strategy, and fabrication.
Kraig Sheck
Kraig Sheck is a FIRST Alumni studying Mechanical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He wanted to support the local FIRST presence to give back and learn how to mentor teams while away at college.
Gwen Menier
Gwen Menier is a student at Missouri S&T studying Psychological Science. She was on FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1706 in high school for two years, and when she went to college, she decided to help out the local team. Gwen helps the team out by being the merchandise contact for apparel and print goods.
Athena Keys
Athena Keys is a dedicated student from Rolla High School who is currently pursuing further education at East Central College. She was actively involved as an FRC member throughout high school. In 2023 she had the prestigious opportunity to mentor the team at the World Championship. Athena is driven by a desire to give students the same enriching experience she had in robotics, showcasing her commitment to mentorship and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Gannon Niehaus
Gannon Niehaus graduated from Clayton High School and now mentors team 6817 in strategy and design. He wanted to mentor 6817 because FIRST helped him find something he enjoyed doing, and he wanted to be able to share what he learned.
This Year
This Year's Game
In REBUILT™ presented by Haas, FIRST® Robotics Competition teams will use engineering skills and re-imagine the past.
Every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before.
Watch the game reveal video Here
This Year's Events
St. Louis Regional 2026
We are competing in the St. Louis Regional on March 25th through the 28th against 41 other teams for the chance to make it to the World Championship in Houston, Texas!
We Placed 20th and won the Gracious Professionalism Award!
Gateway Robotics Challenge 2025
We will be competing at the Gateway Robotics Challenge later this year after the main season.
Date TBD
