It was 3:30 a.m. when they arrived, bleary-eyed but full of excitement. The students of Gateway Academy’s VEX Robotics teams—8349G and 8349U—gathered in the crisp morning air, ready to load their equipment onto the bus bound for Shelbyville, Kentucky. They had done this before. The early mornings, the long drives, the camaraderie—they were all part of the tradition.
But on this particular morning, the bus never arrived.
As the minutes stretched into an hour, the students waited with growing anticipation, their energy undeterred. Jesse Gilkey, a senior with plans to attend the University of Louisville, broke the silence with a reflective tone. “This is my last early morning competition,” he said, glancing at his teammates. It wasn’t the last competition of his high school career, but it was the last of the pre-dawn bus rides that had defined so much of his robotics journey.
The group fell quiet for a moment before Kaitlynn Cain spoke up with a teasing smile. “Next year you all are gone,” she said, her words a poignant reminder that this moment was fleeting and that the future of Gateway Robotics would soon rest in new hands. It was a mix of humor and reality that settled over the group like a shared understanding of just how special this moment was.
And then, the call to adapt came. Instructor Ben Smith led the charge, pivoting from waiting on the bus to loading their gear into two school vans. The team divided into smaller groups, ensuring everyone could make it to the event on time. I had the privilege of driving the first group—Jesse, Brayden Cardwell, and Jackson Smith. As we made our way toward the competition, their excitement was infectious. They shared stories of past events, strategies for the day, and their love for robotics.
When they arrived at the venue, the energy was electric. The Gateway teams quickly got to work, setting up their stations, preparing their robots, and diving into the competition with the determination that had brought them this far.
A Day of Triumph
The day unfolded with one victory after another. Team 8349U, led by Jackson, delivered a commanding 34-15 win in an early match, their precision and tactical planning on full display. Meanwhile, 8349G, with Brayden at the controls, executed flawless strategies to claim a 34-25 victory, securing their place as top contenders.
Unstoppable in the Elimination Rounds
When it came time for the elimination rounds, the two teams joined forces, creating a powerhouse alliance. They dominated the Round of 16 with a resounding 47-16 win, then continued their streak with decisive victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals, including a 37-15 score that left no doubt about their strength.
The Grand Finale
The finals were the ultimate test, pitting Gateway’s alliance against seasoned competitors. Jesse, Brayden, Jackson, Kaitlynn, Bradley Schmitt, and Riley Cook worked as one, their precision and teamwork shining through. The result? An 11-5 victory and a championship title that cemented their legacy.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 2019, Gateway Academy has claimed the Kentucky State VEX Robotics title four times, a testament to their skill, innovation, and determination. This latest victory at the Collins Challenge adds to their storied tradition, but more than that, it highlights the character of the students who make up these teams.
For Jesse, Brayden, Jackson, Kaitlynn, and their teammates, this was more than a competition. It was a journey of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. It was a memory they’ll carry with them long after the robotics season ends.
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