THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS EVENT THE BEST ONE YET! Please take a look below at our full Awards & Results and a Recap of the event below. 

Students Make Waves at the 2026 "SUBMERGED" Robotics Tournament

4/18/2026: The energy was electric at Oak View Middle School this past Saturday as the Anoka-Hennepin Middle School Robotics Challenge Tournament hosted its largest event to date. Twelve teams representing all six district middle schools dove headfirst into this year’s theme, SUBMERGED, showcasing months of engineering, coding, and teamwork.

Exploring the Deep

This year’s challenge tasked students with navigating a complex underwater world. To succeed, robots had to carefully maneuver through coral reefs, collect vital scientific data, and deliver samples to research stations, all while avoiding damage to delicate ocean habitats.

The caliber of the judging presentations was outstanding, making award decisions incredibly difficult due to the sheer breadth of how teams tackled the theme. From compact engineering to high-level code logic, the students performed at a high level, proving that their preparation during the season truly paid off.

A Rivalry is Born

The performance rounds kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. In Round 2, Jackson Middle School’s "Disassembled LEGOs" rocketed to the top with a score of 190. However, the lead was short-lived as Coon Rapids Middle School’s "Puffer Fish" utilized their practice time to perfection, matching the 190-point score to force a dead heat.

With the clock ticking down and the overall standings ending in a TIE for 1st Place, the tournament moved into an exhilarating "head-to-head" final tie-breaker match. The results were kept a closely guarded secret until the very end of the awards ceremony, adding to the anticipation. In a breathtaking final run, the Disassembled LEGOs set a new tournament record with a massive 210-point performance, securing the victory over the Puffer Fish’s respectable 155. For the next year, the coveted Golden LEGO Brick traveling trophy will be proudly displayed at Jackson Middle School.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The event was more than just a competition; it was a glimpse into the future. During the lunch break, Anoka-Hennepin High School FRC (First Robotics Competition) teams arrived to showcase their big robots. These high school mentors gave the younger students a firsthand look at the heavy-duty engineering and competitive excitement that awaits them at the next level.

2026 Award Highlights:

• Overall Robot Performance: Jackson Middle School (1st), Coon Rapids Middle School (2nd), Northdale Middle School (3rd).

• Teamwork & Core Values: LEGO Wizards (Roosevelt) and BILL NYE (Northdale).

• Programming Excellence: Puffer Fish (Coon Rapids) for their exceptional use of "My Blocks" and gyro-sensor logic.

• Engineering & Design: The OGGs (Northdale) for their compact, counterbalanced robot design.

• Rising All-Stars: The Engine Crew (Roosevelt) and Robot Whispers (Jackson).

• Persistence & Inspiration Awards: LEGO Dragons (Oakview), Lead (AMSA), and Octopuses (Jackson) for overcoming technical hurdles with grit and a positive attitude.

Congratulations to all the student competitors, coaches, and volunteers who made this record-breaking year a success!

Want to join the fun? Keep an eye on Community Ed offerings for information on how to join a team for the 2026-2027 season!