Columbus Junction Robotics Team Headed to State Competition

Wildbot Robotics qualifies for FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship for second straight year

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Columbus Junction High School robotics team, Wildbot Robotics, has qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship in Coralville this weekend. The team, founded in 2012 by science teacher Tessa Pugh, will be one of 72 teams competing at the state-level event.

Why it matters

Robotics competitions like the FIRST Tech Challenge help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields. Wildbot Robotics' repeat qualification to the state tournament demonstrates the strength of the program and the dedication of the students and coaches.

The details

To participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge, teams must build a robot to compete in a game that changes each year. Wildbot Robotics has posted a 14-3 record in five events this season, earning them a spot at the state championship. The team was founded by Columbus Community science teacher Tessa Pugh, who says the program encourages "designed thinking" and the ability to solve complex problems.

  • The FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship will be held this Friday and Saturday, February 27th and 28th, 2026.
  • Wildbot Robotics qualified for the state competition for the second year in a row.

The players

Wildbot Robotics

The Columbus Junction High School robotics team that has qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship.

Tessa Pugh

The Columbus Community science teacher and coach who founded the Wildbot Robotics team in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“This is how you develop what I think of as designed thinking. How you think – you have some kind of problem, whether it's how you're going to compose an email to a potential mentor, or how you're going to market your team or ask for money. You have some kind of problem, and then you've got to figure out how to organize it. You've got to think about what kinds of things I might try, and then you've got to see it through.”

— Tessa Pugh, Science Teacher and Coach (kciiradio.com)

What’s next

The Wildbot Robotics team will compete at the FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship this Friday and Saturday, February 27th and 28th, 2026 in Coralville.

The takeaway

Robotics competitions like the FIRST Tech Challenge provide valuable opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for future success in STEM fields. Wildbot Robotics' repeat qualification to the state tournament demonstrates the strength of the program and the dedication of the students and coaches at Columbus Junction High School.