2022-2023 Team Members

Seniors

None:(

Juniors

Dan Wilson

Austin Knutson

Tala Aurand

Gwen Salyer

Ryan Weber

Sophomores

Juan Park

Kate Repp

Evelyn Trent

Addyson Macomber

Angela Phan

Freshmen

Angel Nguyen

Pau Suan Phuang

Landon Justice

Karlie Morgan

Nick Berumez

Jacob Walter

Mentors

Alex Steffens

Alex Steffens works as a Senior Field Service Representative for John Deere Power Systems and has been with the company since 2012. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Iowa State University. Alex utilizes his knowledge of trouble shooting and designing experiments to provide tips to students in functionality of the robot. Alex has been a part of Columbus FRC since its inaugural season in 2017. He noted, "I joined the FIRST program to make a difference in students’ lives and motivate them to pursuit a post-secondary degree in science or technology."

Ann Schmitz

"The students grow in their ability to build a robot, code and communicate with others." -Ann Schmitz

Ann Schmitz is the technology coordinator at Columbus High School. Programming and coding is something that has been an interest of hers for the last few years. The 2017 season was the first time she has been involved with the First Robotics Team.

Charles Kluck

"Columbus High School has always had winning programs, the robotics program will be no exception." -Charles Kluck

Mr. Kluck has expertise and experience from his work career that fist well with the school's objectives. He is a mechanical engineer with 41 years experience at John Deere. He has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, and a Master's degree from Iowa State. Mr. Kluck attended Catholic schools and graduated from Alleman High School in Rock Island, Illinois. He and his wife have been married for 40 years and have 3 children, all of whom graduated from Columbus. Mr. Kluck enjoys running, reading, and the Chicago Cubs.

Ricky Kremer

"I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary." -Elon Musk

Mr. Kremer is a science teacher at Columbus High School. He has many life experiences with working with tools on equipment and structures. He grew up on a farm, worked construction with his father, and occasionally helps his father-in-law work on equipment when he visits. The 2017 season was Mr. Kremer's first experience with the FRC program and cannot wait for more. He hopes to continue fostering growth in STEM and life skills on team 6455.