Robowranglers Team

The Greenville High School Robowranglers once again proved why they remain one of the most respected robotics programs in the world, wrapping up their 35th season with another impressive year of competition, innovation, and student achievement.

Competing in the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition season, Team 148 finished with a 52-14 official match record, ranked sixth overall in the highly competitive FIRST in Texas district standings, and qualified for the FIRST Championship in Houston, where the team competed against some of the top robotics programs from around the world. The Robowranglers also finished ranked in the top four percent globally this season and earned a second-place UIL robotics finish in the state of Texas.

Throughout the season, students designed, built, programmed, and operated a competition robot to complete this year’s game challenge, which centered around collecting and launching game pieces into scoring hubs while competing in fast-paced alliance matches.

The season opened with a strong performance at the FIRST in Texas Belton District Event, where the Robowranglers captured the event championship alongside alliance partners Team 2468 and Team 5503. Team 148 also earned the Excellence in Engineering Award at the event after posting an impressive 16-1 match record.

The team continued its success at the Fort Worth District Event, advancing to the finals and earning the Industrial Design Award for the quality and innovation of the robot’s design and engineering.

At the FIRST in Texas District Championship, the Robowranglers competed in the Apollo Division and finished with an 11-1 qualification record, ranking fourth out of 45 teams. The team once again earned the Industrial Design Award while solidifying its place among the top robotics teams in Texas.

That momentum carried into the FIRST Championship in Houston, where students competed on the Newton Division field against elite teams from across the globe.

For senior Tony Gonzalez, this season marked a major milestone personally after stepping into the role of driver during the team’s historic 35th season.

β€œIt was my first year driving, which is a very big role,” Gonzalez said. β€œThere were big shoes to fill, and I’m glad I was able to step up and do it.”

Sophomore Bradley Sampson said competing at the world championship level pushed the team to perform at its best while also giving students the opportunity to connect with teams from around the world.

β€œIt was really competitive, and we had to know what we were doing, work efficiently, and work as a team,” Sampson said. β€œYou also get to meet people from all over the world, which is really cool.”

Freshman Erick Enriquez, who served as a scout lead during his first season on the team, said the experience of being part of such a well-known robotics program quickly became something special.

β€œEverybody knows who your team is and what you bring,” Enriquez said. β€œIt’s amazing being part of something like that.”

Beyond competition results, the Robowranglers continue to provide students with hands-on experience in engineering, programming, manufacturing, leadership, marketing, and teamwork. Students spend countless hours before and after school, on weekends, and during competitions developing both technical and real-world skills that prepare them for future careers and opportunities.

Robowranglers coach Jennifer Rollins said the success of the program continues to come from the commitment students show throughout the season.

β€œOur students have put in the work all season long, and it shows,” Rollins said. β€œThe dedication, teamwork, and perseverance they’ve demonstrated this year have been incredible to watch, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished both on and off the field.”

Founded in 1992, the Robowranglers have built a national and international reputation for excellence in robotics competition while continuing to inspire generations of students through STEM education and innovation.

As the 35th season comes to a close, Team 148 continues to carry forward the motto that has defined the program for decades: Have Fun. Make Friends. Chase Excellence.