Robotics Hermantown 2026

On the 18th of January, the two Lakeview Robotics Teams, #24172 Gone Fission and #20107 Clockwork, traveled to Hermantown, Minnesota, to compete at their second and last FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) qualifying competition of the season where 23 teams from all over the state competed. The morning of the event was freezing cold with a blanket of snow covering the grounds of Hermantown High School, where the event took place. 

It was a long and rough day for both teams. Halfway through the day, team #24172 Gone Fission managed to climb to fourth place, but ultimately finished in 10th place. However, they were fortunate enough to secure a spot in the finals after being selected as an alliance partner by team #13076 The Argonauts. In the end, Gone Fission was two points away from advancing to the FIRST State Competition. Team #20107 Clockwork made it to 22nd place. The teams went home with an exhausted but relieved feeling, the Design Award won by team #24172 Gone Fission for their outstanding 3D-Design parts, and a $2,000 check which Cottonwood Robotics received as a donation by the Gene Haas Foundation.

Alexander Thostenson, an experienced and long-standing member of team #24172 Gone Fission, summarizes: “The competition was a fantastic event that allowed the Lakeview teams to show off their accomplishments and dedication throughout the season. I feel it was a success, collaborating with old friends from other teams, while meeting new ones as well. It once again was enjoyable to work with my teammates and achieve extraordinary outcomes. All in all, this competition was a great way to wrap up the Decode season.“

The designer, programmer, and unofficial team leader Alex says, “My favorite memory of this season would definitely be the practice at my house. Due to a winter storm, practice was relocated and the dedication that day was impeccable. Working on the robot for hours on end, into the wee hours of the night, Gone Fission accomplished so much. That night our perseverance was expressed and I will forever remember that memory.”

With that, this year's Robotics season comes to an end. The teams worked extremely hard to achieve their goals and improve their robots. Their coach, Kayla Padfield, put in an absurd amount of hours to ensure that the teams were prepared for each competition, organized the first Robotics competition ever hosted at Lakeview, and made sure that they had fun while they were working.