As we move into Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, we celebrate the outstanding efforts of the Gateway Academy Robotics teams—8349G (Original Geek), 8349T (Trainwreck), and 8349U (Ursus)—who recently showcased their skills on one of the biggest stages in high school robotics.
The NE Wisconsin Showdown VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Event, held at the legendary Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, brought together top robotics teams from across the country. Competing in a venue known for its NFL history and championship moments, the Gateway teams embraced the challenge, demonstrating their engineering expertise, strategic thinking, and teamwork in a high-stakes environment.
Competing Under the Lights of an Iconic Stadium
For the students of Gateway Academy, competing at Lambeau Field was an experience like no other. The same stadium that has hosted NFL legends like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers became a proving ground for future engineers and innovators. The event featured intense competition, with teams battling through qualification matches, skills challenges, and elimination rounds in hopes of securing a victory at one of the most prestigious VEX events of the season.
“It was surreal to compete in a place with so much history. Being on the same grounds where the Packers play and focusing on our own competition was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said one Gateway student.
Qualifier Matches: A Competitive Field
Throughout the event, the Gateway teams faced fierce competition in their qualification rounds. Team 8349G (Original Geek) had a notable victory in Qualifier #85, where they defeated their opponents 38-28. Meanwhile, Team 8349T (Trainwreck) had a strong showing in Qualifier #27, securing a 35-32 victory. Team 8349U (Ursus) also picked up a win in Qualifier #47 with a 34-20 score.
Despite facing tough matchups, all three teams represented Gateway Academy with skill and determination, executing strategic gameplay and well-programmed autonomous routines.
Skills Challenges: A Test of Precision
In the Robot Skills Challenge, where teams attempt to score the highest points in solo driver and autonomous programming runs:
- Team 8349U finished in 23rd place, achieving a driver high score of 49 points and a programming score of 19.
- Team 8349G placed 30th, scoring 51 points in driver control and 8 in programming.
- Team 8349T landed in 47th place, earning 28 points in driver control and 5 in programming.
These performances highlight the growing skill and expertise of Gateway’s robotics students as they prepare for future competitions.
Elimination Rounds & Playoff Performances
After the qualification matches, two Gateway teams advanced to the playoffs:
- Team 8349G fought hard in the Round of 16 but was eliminated with a close 29-Red match.
- Team 8349U made an impressive playoff run, reaching the Quarterfinals before falling in a narrow 35-30 battle.
Team 8349T did not advance to the playoffs, but their participation in this elite-level competition will help them build experience for future events.
A Unique Experience in a Legendary Venue
Beyond the competition, students had the opportunity to compete in one of the most famous stadiums in the world, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This event showcased not only their robotics skills but also the growing importance of STEM education and CTE programs, proving that the future of innovation is being built in classrooms just like those at Gateway Academy.
“This was more than just a robotics competition. It was a chance to test ourselves against top teams in an unforgettable setting. It showed us what we are capable of, and what we need to do to get better,” said a Gateway team member.
Celebrating Gateway Robotics During CTE Month
As we enter CTE Month, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and innovation displayed by the Gateway Robotics teams. Career and Technical Education provides students with real-world skills that prepare them for the future, and Gateway’s robotics teams exemplify this mission through engineering, programming, teamwork, and competition.
The lessons learned at Lambeau Field will drive these students forward as they continue competing throughout the season, refining their designs, sharpening their strategies, and aiming for even greater success in upcoming events.
Congratulations to Teams 8349G, 8349T, and 8349U on a great showing at the NE Wisconsin Showdown!
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