IrvingBearBotikz – 4863

IrvingBearBotikz is the robotics team based at Washington Irving Middle School, STEAM Magnet, in Glassell Park, Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2015, we compete in the VEX Robotics program and are proud of our record, including multiple California State Championships. Our philosophy: “WILL > SKILL”, meaning we believe determination, good work habits, and growth matter more than just talent.

Mission / Philosophy

Our mission is to help students grow as problem solvers, collaborators, and leaders through the exciting challenge of robotics. We believe that robotics education should be accessible to every student, with no cost for registration, equipment, or tournaments. At the heart of our philosophy is the idea that determination and good work habits matter more than raw talent, which is why we embrace the motto “WILL > SKILL.” By encouraging students to step beyond their comfort zones, we aim to foster both technical skills and personal growth, preparing them for success not only in robotics but in all aspects of life.

Team Achievements

Over the years, IrvingBearBotikz has built an impressive record of accomplishments, competing with skill and determination and bringing home awards at every level of competition. IrvingBearBotikz has repeatedly proven itself among the top robotics teams in California and beyond. The team has won the California State Championship three years running (2016-2018) with five different robots winning trophies, competed in regional and national events, and represented at the VEX World Championships. Below are details of some of those wins, along with the students involved.

• VEX Robotics World Championships – 2024
  Two Irving teams qualified for the World Championships, where the best teams from across the globe come together to compete. (Qualifying alone means being among the top robotics teams worldwide.)

• Bay Area Regional Champions - 2018
  The team secured a major win at the Bay Area regional competition, showing they could compete strongly beyond their local district.

• California State Champions (2016, 2017, 2018)
  IrvingBearBotikz won the state championship three years in a row (a “3-peat”), meaning they were recognized as the top VEX Robotics team in California for those seasons. 

• Founders’ Achievements – Krystal and Vanessa
  As two of the original student founders of the Irving Robotics Program, Krystal and Vanessa led teams that competed in three California State Championships and three U.S. Open Championships, bringing home two State Championship titles.
  
  

2025-2026 – “Push Back” Season

• A Team
  4 Tournament Champions
  2 Excellence Award
  Design Award
  Robot Skills Champion
  2 Innovative Award

• B Team
  Innovative Award

• F Team
  Innovative Award

• H Team
  Judges Award

• W Team
  Judges Award

2024-2025 – “High Stakes” Season

• A Team
  2 Tournament Champions
  2 Tournament Finalists (one of these was from the US Open)
  1 Tournament Semifinalist
  1 Excellence Award
  1 Build Award
  1 Division Champion @ US Open

• B Team
  1 Tournament Champion
  1 Design Award

• F Team
  1 Tournament Champion
  2 Tournament Finalists
  1 States Semifinalist
  4 Innovate Awards

• J Team
  1 Tournament Champion

2023-2024 – “Over Under” Season

• Team A
  1 Tournament Champions
  Tournament Finalist
  Qualified for Worlds
  1 Design Award
  1 Create Award

• Team B
  2 Innovate Awards (one at States)
  Qualified for Worlds

2019-2020 – “Tower Takeover” Season 

• The team qualified for the California State Championship, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

2018-2019 – “Turning Point” Season 

• Competed in the U.S. Open National Championship, a prestigious nationwide event. 

• California State Champions (third consecutive title – a “3-peat”). 

• Victory at the Bay Area Regional Championship. 

• Qualified and competed at the VEX Robotics World Championships (Teams 4863B and 4863F). 

2017-2018 – “In the Zone” Season 

• California State Champions (3rd State Championship in a row). 

2016-2017 – “Starstruck” Season 

• California State Champions (first state title). 

• Team members Gustavo, David, and 4863F designed one of the program’s top-performing robots for this season. 

2015-2016 – Program Founded 

• The Irving Robotics program was started by students including Leonardo, Shaun, Daniel, Matthew (4863A) Krystal, Vanessa, Gustavo, Oscar (4863B) and Jorge, who helped lay the foundation for future success. 

What These Competitions Mean

VEX Robotics California State Championships
This is the state-level competition in California for VEX Robotics teams. Teams from across the state compete in league-play, skills challenges, judged awards, and match play.

U.S. Open Championships
This is a national-level competition in the U.S. where many of the top robotics teams compete. It may be one of the Open tournaments (meaning many teams can enter, but the competition is tough).

VEX World Championships
This is the biggest competition in the VEX season. Teams that do well in their state / regional events or special qualifying events can go to the World Championship. Teams from many states and many countries come together to compete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child take robotics as a 6th grader?
Yes!  We have a 1 year engineering course that includes an introductory to robotics.  The class is called Intro to Desn.

Can my child join the Robotics Team once they enter Irving?
No, we have a one year prerequisite that all students must take (Intro to Desn or VexIQ/Flight & Space).  

How can my child join the Robotics Team at Irving?
Step 1:  Enroll into either Intro to Desn or VexIQ/Flight & Space)
Step 2:  Fill out applications to join Advanced Robotics (2 Forms)
Step 3:  Get a recommendation from Mr. Valdez.

If my child took robotics at another school and competed already, can they join the team?

This is a case by case situation, contact Mr. Valdez for more information.

Is there a fee for joining the Robotics Team?
No, all the equipment, the registration for the robots and tournaments are paid for by Irving.  But we are always accepting donations and looking for sponsors so I you know of any, please contact Mr. Valdez.  

When are practices and are they mandatory in order to be on the team?
No practices, we have designed the robotics program so that students will do everything during class time.  Students are also welcome to come in during lunch for extra practice time. 

What are the time commitments for the Robotics Team?
If a student is on a J.V. Team, they usually have 1 tournament per month and these are always on a Saturday.  Make sure you have the entire day available.  Tournaments usually start 7am - 4pm.

If your child is on a Varsity Team, they usually have 2 tournaments a month.

How long is the season for Robotics?
Season starts September and ends the next year in February.  If you qualify for a state, national, and/or world championship your season will continue until April.

Do I have to drive my child to the tournaments?
Yes, for the most part a parent/guardian must drive or arrange transportation for their child.  Tournaments are usually within 60 miles from Irving.  In those tournaments that are further away, we provide a school bus for transportation.

How can parents best help the Robotics Team?
Make sure your child are meeting all the expectations for the team and in their academic classes.
Donate some time by chaperoning a tournament.
Spread the word out!  We are always looking for passionate students and sponsors.
Monetary donations are welcome, see Mr. Valdez for more information.