tiger robotics

Saturday March 4th was the VEX VRC state robotics tournament for our varsity robotics competitors. This year's state tournament occurred in Rapid City, South Dakota. Tiger Robotics had 4 teams competing in the event. Three high school teams and 1 middle school team.

Here are a few of the highlights.

Team 7686B “Capten,” Seniors from Harrisburg High School, partnered with team 77000X from Jefferson, SD to win the Tournament Champion Award. This award came along with 1 of 3 High School invitations to represent SD, and the US in the World Robotics Tournament in Dallas. They received the Skills champion award, as well as the Excellence award.

This team is coached by Noel Scheaffer and Ben DeNeui.

Team members

  • Micah S. (Team Captain) 
  • Ian B.
  • Collin B. 
  • Carter B 
  • Kanton D. 

Highlights of the Season

  1. Tournament Champs Gross Catholic qualifier in Omaha
  2. Tournament Champs, and Skills champs Mitchell Qualifier
  3. Tournament Champs, and Excellence award Sioux Metro Qualifier
  4. Tournament Champs, Robot skills champs, and Excellence award Canton Qualifier
  5. Robot Skills champs, and Amaze award North High School Qualifier Omaha
  6. Tournament Finalists, and judges award Groton Qualifier
  7. Tournament champs, Robot skills champs, and Excellence award Rapid City Qualifier
  8. Tournament Champs, Robot Skills Champs, and Excellence at the state tournament
  9. Capten is the winningest team in SD history 

Other Notable Teams

Team 7686D, our Middle School team with kids from North and South Middle School, brought home the Middle School Excellence Award. The Excellence Award is the highest award given and it goes to the best overall middle School team. This award also comes with the only middle school invitation to represent SD, and the US in the World Robotics Tournament in Dallas TX. 

Coached by Paul Yanzick and Ben DeNeui.

Team members 

  • Jaden Y. (team captain)
  • Miles B.
  • Chase B. 
  • Connor A. 
  • Caleb B. 

7686A, “The Islanders” a Freshman team from Harrisburg High went undefeated during qualifying rounds and ranked 3rd for the day but was knocked out of elimination matches due to a technical issue on their bot during a match. 

Coached by Eric DeHaab and Ben DeNeui.

Team members 

  • Ezra DH. (team captain) 
  •  Caleb A. 
  •  Joseph D.
  • Parker S. 
  • Ben M.
  • Noah B.

The Tigers continue to represent Harrisburg well. All 4 Varsity teams have qualified to move on to either the US. Open or the World Robotics Tournament. Expect to see more good news from these teams in the future.

Thank you for all the support Harrisburg School District provides us including use of facilities for practices and events, computers, and some funding for transportation and registration fees. We would not be the force we are without your support. Thanks also to our parent coaches who are volunteers.