Meet Those Other Guys: A Team of Innovators Headed to Nationals

Get ready to cheer on Those Other Guys, a brilliant team from Vandermont who are heading to the Make48 Nationals! Led by team captain Rahim Latreche from SMU, this group of young inventors, including Benjamin Goggans (14), Levi Payne (15), and Abraham Goggans (14) brought a unique perspective to the competition. We got with them to get the scoop on their 48-hour experience.

From Ideation to Innovation

The ninth season kicked off in Dallas, with six amazing Vandermont teams. Those Other Guys worked tirelessly to bring their idea, Birdbot, the smart birdhouse, to fruition. Their invention stood out from the rest for its unique focus. Benjamin noted that the “AI components” of their idea made it different, while Abraham and Levi both pointed out that their solution was focused on homes and practical needs, rather than “leisure or sports.” 

When asked about their favorite part of the Make48 competition, the team’s answers centered on the creative process and collaboration. For Benjamin, it was the sheer “creativity” of the event. Abraham's favorite part was “designing our prototype and being able to work with the SMU college students.” Levi, meanwhile, appreciated the connections he made, saying his favorite part was “The people I met.”

The best memories were tied to their shared moments of success. Benjamin's best memory was “the feeling of making it to the finals.” Abraham loved “working with the college students and them helping me and my team make our prototype.” For Levi, the “Ace Hardware run” was a memorable part of the experience, a relatable moment for any maker on a tight deadline.

Proud Moments and Big Dreams

The team members shared personal achievements that show their determination outside of the Make48 competition. Benjamin is proud of getting a new dirt bike because he's “too tall for my other one.” Levi's summer job was a significant achievement for him, teaching him about earning his own money and “preparing myself for life.”

Abraham shared a powerful story about his achievement playing in the PLL Juniors Championship for a second year in a row. “My team was awesome. Even though we were the smallest team (height wise), we were the hardest working group I have ever played with. We were complete underdogs in the game but fought to win 8-6 in the last quarter even though we were down by one point the whole game. The whole experience was crazy, we got huge medals and I even got interviewed after the game with a couple of my teammates. Hands down the best lacrosse experience I have ever had.”

When it came to who they admire, the team's answers emphasized the influential figures in their lives. Both Benjamin and Abraham look up to their mom for “creating this awesome school (Vandermont) for them.” Levi also admires his mom, who is also his teacher, calling her “a great person and a great mother.” Abraham also looks up to Mr. Andrew Podoll, admiring the way he thinks about their school work and learning. 

Practical Skills for the Classroom

The team had some great ideas for subjects that should be taught in school. Benjamin suggested cooking, a class he thinks should be “hands-on learning.” Abraham and Levi both agreed on the importance of life skills, advocating for a curriculum that includes “hands-on working and problem solving in real life.”

Finally, when asked about their favorite thing about themselves, the team's answers reflected their unique personalities. Benjamin loves his “humor.” Levi is proud of his “personality”, while Abraham values his “hard working” nature and personality.

The team's journey to Nationals is a testament to their innovative spirit and strong teamwork. We wish Those Other Guys the best of luck as they compete on the national stage!