Columbus Junction High School Robotics Team Qualifies for State Competition

Wildbot Robotics team captain and lieutenant discuss their FIRST Tech Challenge success

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

The Wildbot Robotics team from Columbus Junction High School in Iowa has qualified for the state competition in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Coach Tessa Pugh and team members Kai Allec and Gannon Holladay discuss the team's accomplishments and preparation for the upcoming state event.

Why it matters

The FIRST Tech Challenge is a prestigious robotics competition that encourages students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Qualifying for the state competition is a significant achievement for the Wildbot Robotics team, showcasing the dedication and talent of the students and their coach.

The details

The Wildbot Robotics team, led by coach Tessa Pugh, has qualified for the state competition in the FIRST Tech Challenge. The team's captain, Kai Allec, and lieutenant, Gannon Holladay, have been instrumental in the team's success, contributing their technical expertise and leadership skills.

  • The Wildbot Robotics team qualified for the state competition in the FIRST Tech Challenge.
  • The state competition is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The players

Tessa Pugh

The coach of the Wildbot Robotics team at Columbus Junction High School.

Kai Allec

The team captain of the Wildbot Robotics team.

Gannon Holladay

The team lieutenant of the Wildbot Robotics team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're really excited to have qualified for the state competition. The team has worked hard and we're looking forward to showcasing our skills on the bigger stage.”

— Kai Allec, Team Captain (kciiradio.com)

“The FIRST Tech Challenge has been a great opportunity for us to learn and grow as a team. We're grateful for the support of our coach and the community.”

— Gannon Holladay, Team Lieutenant (kciiradio.com)

What’s next

The Wildbot Robotics team will compete in the state FIRST Tech Challenge competition in the coming weeks, where they will showcase their skills and knowledge against other top teams from across the state.

The takeaway

The success of the Wildbot Robotics team from Columbus Junction High School in qualifying for the state FIRST Tech Challenge competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and their coach. This achievement highlights the importance of STEM education and the positive impact it can have on young people's development.