THS robotics team wins third in division at Worlds | State

The Tahlequah High School robotics team, known as “Cu?iosity? 20541B,” recently returned from the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship with a third-place finish in their division.

The six-member team is made up of all THS freshman: Maximus Barnett, Maryn Morrison, Landen Webb, Kaylee Liles, Catherine Wooten, and Gracie Franks. 

They may not have brought home the gold, but they made it farther than any other high school team in Oklahoma.

“I have inherited a fantastic team with fantastic families,” Yochum said. “This team has been shaped by multiple coaches through the years, with Kym Tinsley being a huge contributor to how well they did this year. This experience was unlike my previous experiences because I was both excited and nervous for them. Unlike normal sports, I am not allowed to stand on the sidelines and yell at them what to do. This is student centered and to watch them in action is fantastic, and I hope to host to a competition next year so more people can come and see exactly what we do.”

Kaylee said the division featured 82 teams, with THS’ being taken out by the current world champions.

“We made it farther than any other Oklahoma high school team, but it was cool because they all came to watch when they finished with their division,” Catherine said.

The group is no stranger to success, as Cu?iosity? 20541B won the Excellence Award at the Oklahoma VEX Robotics Championship this year and double-qualified for Worlds.

The teammates experienced different emotions about going to Worlds this year, from fun and excitement to stress. 

Meeting people at the tournament, including some from New Zealand, was many of the team members’ favorite part of the tournament. Others, like Landen, enjoyed just driving the robot, while Kaylee enjoyed getting to turn teams down for alliance picks. Gracie also enjoyed having an MC who could correctly pronounce Tahlequah to the room full of competitors.

Catherine and Mayrn said the contest was a lot more competitive,  considering this was the first year for the team to transition to the high school level.

“We ran ahead of schedule and we had to be there 10 minutes before a match. It was a lot more exciting to watch,” Gracie said.

This year was different because the students changed from a one-programming method to one with two languages, and had to switch from building with plastic to metal pieces.

With the team having all younger members, Worlds allowed the group to learn lessons for next season. They’ll need better communication and improve how the drive team works together. Yochum said next season will throw a new game at the students, with similar but also different requirements. 

“This team is absolutely amazing inside and outside robotics,” Yochum said. “Not only have they had a successful season as freshmen, but they were inducted into [National Honor Society] completing over 90 service hours, mentoring the Greenwood Elementary Robotics teams, four of the members playing tennis, soccer, football, track, and volleyball, and all carrying at least a 4.0. These kids never cease to amaze me, and I am so grateful to get to be a part of the village that shapes them.”