H.I.V.E. (26606)

26606 HIVE is our newest team! 2024-2025 was our rookie season. A small group of dedicated 6th, 7th, and 8th graders worked hard and achieved awesome results!

26606 is the only Saline rookie team to make it that far in their rookie season. The team is lead by Coach Spitael, who has been with Saline FTC Robotics since the first year of the organization.

From our rookie year, we've done robotics differently than most clubs. Most clubs have a dedicated driveteam. We don't - driving the robot is one of the highlights of robotics. So, everyone gets a chance to do this.

From a robot design perspective, we focus on a robot that scores points in every way possible in the game. We probably will have one method that’s better than the others, but being able to score points in every way is key to be an alliance partner. Creative solutions using what we have on hand or 3D printing versus buying more and more specialized parts is highly valued.

We also believe in the engineering principles on continuous improvement. If something on the bot doesn’t work quite right, let’s make it better by the next competition, whether that’s one week away or 3 months away. We create as many opportunities as possible to let student’s ideas lead the design choices.

We have had a strong start to our 2025-2026 DECODE season, winning the Chelsea Qualifier, placing 3rd in our league, and having one of the top 20 OPRs in Michigan!

2025-2026: Awards & Achievements

Winning Alliance 1st Pick (Chelsea Qualifier), Control Award 1st Place (Chelsea Qualifier), Advancement to Michigan States NW.

We had an amazing rookie season, from winning the Design Award at the Bedford Qualifier to being Division Finalists at States, and even being invited to the first-ever Michiana Premier Event in South Bend!

2024-2025: Awards & Achievements

Innovate Award 1st Place (Bedford Qualifier), Design Award 2nd Place (Bedford Qualifier), Division Finalist Alliance Captain (Michigan States SE), Invited to Michiana Premier Event.