On March 8th and 9th, five of Park’s Robotics Teams competed at Fairmont State University for the 2026 West Virginia State Championship for VEX V5 Robotics. The teams that have qualified are 62629K, 62629P, 62629Y, 62629X, and 62629Z.

Junior, Josh Hess from 62629Y Iron Patriots – Yikes, explains how teams qualify for the state championship.

“Teams make it to States by winning qualifying awards at local tournaments or through skills score,” said Hess.

Hess has been participating in robotics programs for 5 years. Junior, Abby Benda, on team 62629K Iron Patriots – K-otic, has been doing robotics for 4 years. Benda explains how the Park robotics program has made her high school experience better.

“Robotics has made my high school experience much more positive, since it’s given me opportunities to make friends with people outside of our school,” said Benda.

While Benda has made connections outside of school, she feels that robotics has strengthened her connections in school as well, especially with her team.

“I love my team because we’re all very close with each other despite being in different grades. Also we do things outside of school to get better inside of school,” said Benda.

Wyatt Rich, junior on 62629P Iron Patriots – Platypus, loves that his team is so close that their communication is on point.

“The thing I love most about my team is that we are able to communicate well during competitions and we are able to not let any losses or mistakes get in our way for future matches at an event,” said Rich.

The strength of Park’s robotics teams, especially through communication, is easily one of the many things that has helped them “push back” against the competition and earn the opportunity to compete at the state level. Park robotics, we hope to see you excel at the state competition!