FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge teams design, build, and code their robots to compete against other local area teams in a full season of robotics engineering. Every season has a unique challenge with new ways to score points that challenge builders to innovate. There is no instruction manual to build these robots so teams must design them from the ground up. They’ll practice engineering principles such as keeping an engineering notebook, teamwork, problem solving, and creative thinking.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is the precursor to the competitive high school robotics team, Binary Battalion, which competes in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). Our program is offered to students in grades 7-12. The season runs from September 2025 through December 2025.

The season will include four Friday evening scrimmages. There will also be one Qualifier event on Saturday or Sunday (Nov/Dec - date TBD), giving teams the chance to advance to the state level. If a team advances to the state level, there will be an additional competition mid-February.

Grades 7–8 FTC

Location: STMA High School Broadcasting Room 2263
Instructor: Elisha Gasser

Practice Schedule

• Days (2 Days/Week): Mondays & Tuesdays
• Dates: September 8 – December 9
• Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
• No Practice: October 14, November 4, 24, 25

Special Events

• Parent Meeting/Bootcamp: Friday, September 5 | 5:30–8:30 PM | High School Cafeteria
• Kickoff: Saturday, September 6 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Scrimmages at Becker:
  • Fridays: September 26, October 10, October 24, November 14 | 5:30–8:30 PM
• State Qualifier: TBD (One weekend day in November or December)

Grades 9–12 FTC

Location: STMA High School Broadcasting Room 2263
Instructor: Zack Osowski

Practice Schedule

• Days (2 Days/Week): Wednesdays & Thursdays
• Dates: September 10 – December 11
• Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
• No Practice: October 15, 16; November 26, 27
• Additional Practice: Tuesday, October 14

Note: Students interested in joining the Varsity-level FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team in January must have prior FTC experience.

Special Events (Same as Grades 7–8)

• Parent Meeting/Bootcamp: Friday, September 5 | 5:30–8:30 PM | High School Cafeteria
• Kickoff: Saturday, September 6 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Scrimmages at Becker:
  • Fridays: September 26, October 10, October 24, November 14 | 5:30–8:30 PM
• State Qualifier: TBD (One weekend day in November or December)

Additional Details for All Participants

• A $200 booster club fee is due at the Parent Meeting on September 5.
• Please take time to review the Team Handbook before the season begins.