Dayton STEM Team Wins ‘Rookie of the Year’ at Global Robotics Competition
When Eric Schrock, robotics coach at the Dayton Regional STEM School, told his rookie team he’d dye his hair if they made it to the world championships, he thought the chances were slim, maybe 5%. But by April, he was sporting bright pink hair as 43 students headed to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas.
Over four intense days of competition (April 16–19), the Gem City Gridrunners made their mark, earning the coveted “Rookie of the Year” title in their division. It was the second time they’d earned that honor, after a prior win in Huntsville, Alabama, where they also helped their alliance win the championship title.
The team’s mission? Build a robot capable of “cleaning coral,” removing balls, and placing objects into a center “reef” while playing defense. But the program wasn’t just about mechanics. Students took on roles in coding, driving, fundraising, and community outreach. Some even graduate with robotics certifications.
With mentorship from teachers Schrock and Tyler Hertenstein, and help from volunteers in the Air and Space Force, the rookie team quickly grew from a small club to a 50-member powerhouse. Their dedication was unmatched: they trained nearly every day since summer, including weekends.
Sophia Lander, a team captain, said the FIRST robotics culture is all about collaboration, even among competitors. “It’s not really a competition if the other team isn’t at their best,” she said. That spirit showed when another team, Lakota, helped them transport their robot back home from Houston.
The championship wasn’t just a trophy, it was a lesson in effort and teamwork. “They worked hard, and it paid off,” said Principal Nick Pant. And now? Even more students want to join.
