Gage Widas
Gage Widas
Hornet of the Hive
London Wojciechowski, Staff WriterHornet of the Hive
February 21, 2025
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Flour Bluff High School sophomore Gage Widas is making strides in the world of robotics.. As a member of the Flour Bluff Robotics team, Twisted Transistors, Widas recently helped win the Gulf Coast League competition, and earned a spot at the area competition on May 22, 2025. This marks the second time the FB robotics team has advanced as the team won area and placed third at state last year.
Widas joined the team with no prior experience in robotics or computer science, initially getting involved out of curiosity alongside a friend. Despite stepping into an unfamiliar environment, he quickly found a passion for the competition and the teamwork fostered.
“It’s been very cool to work as a team and it has made me better at working with people.” Widas said.
Gage Widas, Leann Leos-Gonzalez, Landon Smith, and Nelson Hermenegildo smile as they receive their trophy, advancing to Area Robotics competition on the Twisted Transistors Robotics Team.
Although he started without knowing anyone, the experience introduced him to new friendships and a supportive team dynamic.
“It was very interesting even though I knew no one,” Widas said. “I met many new people and made a lot of cool friends.”
The Flour Bluff community has been following the robotics team’s progress closely, showing their unwavering support throughout the season..
“The support has been amazing,” Widas said, “we missed our first competition and a lot of people were worried about us and upset that we couldn’t make it. Overall it was really nice to see the community come together.”
The team’s success has been guided by their teacher, Mr. Patterson, who stepped up after the team transitioned to a new coach. Patterson has been a dedicated mentor to Widas and the team. Without his help and guidance, the team wouldn't be the same.
“Mr.Patterson had to step up and learn an entirely new competition style, it was very impressive and he has really made the team better.” Widas said
Competing at the Gulf Coast League tournament brought its share of challenges. The team faced a tough start, which made the final rounds even more intense.
“We weren’t doing too well in the game until the actual series games,” Widas said. “But once we made it into the tournament, we started doing super well. It was super stressful but very fun in the end.”
Despite the pressures of competition, Widas has found robotics to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of his high school experience. He plans to stay with the program throughout his high school career.
“It was a lot of fun last year and is still fun this year, so hopefully, I can continue it through high school,” Widas said.
With an eye on the future, Widas is committed to his academics and hopes to earn a scholarship. Though he remains undecided between computer science and law, he is keeping his options open.
“Computer science is definitely something I would be interested in continuing, but law also seems like something I would do,” Widas said. “So we’ll just see what happens.”
As the area competition approaches, Widas and the Flour Bluff Robotics team continue to prepare, ready to take on their next challenge and build on their success.
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