Our
Mission
As a rookie team, we’re still learning what it takes to build a robot and compete in FTC and TAPPS—and that’s one of the things we love about it. Every meeting gives us a chance to learn something new about engineering, programming, design, and problem-solving while using the gifts God has given us.
We learn by doing. We build, test, make mistakes, fix them, and try again. Not everything works the first time, but each challenge teaches us something and helps us grow stronger as a team.
For us, this first season is about more than building a robot. It’s about learning to work together, becoming better problem-solvers and leaders, and using our God-given talents to serve others and glorify Him.
What we are learning
Robotics gives us the chance to turn ideas on paper into something that actually moves, thinks, and competes. We get to see how mechanical design, electronics, programming, and strategy all have to come together for a robot to perform on the field.
As a rookie team, seeing those pieces come together for the first time is one of the most exciting parts of the experience.
Design
Our ideas usually start with a sketch and a lot of discussion. From there, we design, prototype, 3D print, and build parts for our robot, figuring out along the way how to make them stronger, lighter, and actually work the way we imagined.
Programming
We’re learning how to bring our robot to life through code. From programming driver controls to building autonomous routines and working with sensors, we’re learning how to make our robot respond, move, and complete tasks on its own.
Mechanics
We’re learning what makes our robot move and perform the way we want it to. From gear ratios and motors to wheels, belts, and moving mechanisms, we explore how each part works together to create a robot that can handle the demands of competition.
Our 2026 - 2027 Team
Aeden ORiley
Team Captain
Jude Bravo
Lucas Washburn
Christian Patellis
Leads team collaboration, organization, mechanical and engineering design and overall team direction
Famous words: "Guys, time check..."
Team Co-Captain
Supports team leadership, engineering design, prototyping and day-to-day teamwork
Famous words: "I will set up a CAD that will clean up after us after each session..."
Engineering Lead
Specializes in engineering design and mechanical build, problem-solving, testing, and improvement.
Famous words: "I don't want to be under Conner's HR leadership (laughing)..."
Programming Lead
Masters robot programming, controls, testing, and troubleshooting.
Famous words: "We are running out of funds, guys."
Conner Riley
Strategy Lead
Analyzes game strategy, develops game plans, outreach and fundraising, and helps the team make smart decisions.
Famous words: "I should be the head of HR and PR for this team...."
Zoe Madera
Mechanical Lead
Specializes in mechanical design, robot construction, mechanisms, and hands-on building.
Famous words: "Guys, be nice."
Tristen Rakowski
Programming Co-Lead
Co-develops programming, coding, testing, and troubleshooting.
Famous words: "That was me... (on Kahoot)"
Our Mentors
We’re grateful to have mentors from professional firms, robotics organizations, and engineering and technology companies who invest their time and expertise in our team. They bring real-world experience into what we’re learning—challenging our ideas, answering our questions, reviewing our designs, and helping us approach problems like engineers.
With Special Thanks To
Mr. Mark Rose, Bell Flight
Mr. Dustin Gibson, Starfront Observatories
Mr. Peter Gardner, Lockheed Martin
Ms. Songhee Gardner, Lockheed Martin
Mr. Samir Gonzales, EY
Ms. Dana
Mr. OG
Mr. Jeremy Witt, FutureDial
Mr. Mikhail Orlov, GRITR
Team 7172, Technical Difficulties (Marcus High School)
Team 21514, CDA Robotics (Coram Deo Academy)
…and all of the professionals and coaches who continue to invest their time and knowledge in our team.
If you work in engineering, technology, or another related field and would like to share your experience or give our team feedback, we’d love to hear from you!
