BadgerBots FIRST® LEGO® League Robotics Teams Headed to Sectionals Tournament

Game-time focus for Bob Loves Tacos.

This Saturday, three BadgerBots FIRST^® LEGO^® League Challenge robotics teams—Bob Loves Tacos, Rocky Riders and Shovels of Doom—will compete at an FLL Sectional Tournament in Waukesha, Wisconsin. After four months of preparation and a strong showing at regional competitions, we're excited to cheer them on as they take the next step in their FLL journey!

Earlier this month, four BadgerBots teams—S.M.A.R.T. (Six.Meticulous.Archaeologists. Robotics.Team), Shovels of Doom, Rocky Riders and Bob Loves Tacos—competed at regional tournaments hosted at UW-Madison's Engineering Hall alongside 30 FLL teams from across Wisconsin. The students showcased not only their robots, but also their problem-solving, communication and teamwork. 

Shovels of Doom await their score.

That teamwork was evident throughout the tournament. One student on Shovels of Doom reflected, "I learned mainly that teamwork is a big part because I wasn’t the best at working in teams before, so I'm a lot better at it now." Coaches saw that mindset in action throughout the day. "When given the option to work on improving coding or relaxing before the final robot game, all four boys said, 'We want to code!'" shared Angie Hottmann, a Shovels of Doom coach. For the coaches watching from the sidelines, it was a rewarding moment. The team was making decisions together and was all in, right to the end.

Rocky Riders, ready to rock!

Kumuda Ranjan, a coach from Rocky Riders, highlighted similar collaboration on her team, saying, "The regional tournament wasn't easy. The robot game challenged the Rocky Riders at every turn, but the team faced each obstacle with grace and determination. They leaned on each other, stayed true to the Core Values and turned every setback into a learning moment."  She added, "Robots run on code, but this team ran on heart, teamwork and resilience—and that's what made their finish so strong." Moments like these show that FLL is about far more than building robots. Students are discovering new skills, thinking creatively, supporting one another and having fun along the way.

Nacho average robotics team!

Andrea Dunn, a coach from Bob Loves Tacos, echoed that sentiment, saying, "We couldn’t be prouder of Bob Loves Tacos—not just for their tournament performance, but for all the hard work they put in over the last few months. Their teamwork, creativity, enthusiasm and 'never-give-up' spirit shows exactly what the FIRST Core Values are all about. These kids are nacho average team—they're totally taco-rrific, full of hard work, heart and all the spicy salsa-level energy that makes them absolutely amazing!"

Three teams received awards at the Madison regional tournaments and earned advancement to a sectional tournament. Rocky Riders received First Place for Core Values, celebrating teamwork, inclusion and gracious professionalism. Bob Loves Tacos earned the Engineering Excellence Award for outstanding robot design and programming. Shovels of Doom took home First Place in Robot Design for their thoughtful strategy and creative problem-solving. S.M.A.R.T. wrapped up their rookie season with valuable experience and growth that will carry forward into future challenges.

Robot game time for S.M.A.R.T.

BadgerBots Executive Director Mark Rushton said, "This year marked the return of in-house FLL Challenge teams at BadgerBots, and it's been exciting to see how well our support model worked. All but one of our parent coaches were new to FLL, and having experienced coaches available at meetings helped set everyone up for success. We're excited to build on this approach going forward."

As Bob Loves Tacos, Rocky Riders and Shovels of Doom prepare for the Oak Creek Sectional Tournament this Saturday, we wish them the best of luck. If they advance, they'll move on to the FLL Wisconsin State Championship at Sun Prairie West High School in January. No matter the outcome, the students on all four teams will finish their seasons with new skills, greater confidence and personal growth that will stay with them long after the final match.

High fives for Rocky Riders.

Read a great, in-depth recap of the Madison regional FLL tournaments from the tournament host, UW-Madison College of Engineering.

To learn more about BadgerBots' youth robotics programs, including FIRST LEGO League, for Madison-area kids in grades 4-12, click here.