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Roscommon Today
By the People, for the People
Mio Thunderbotz Robotics Team Advances to State Finals
Small team from Mio-AuSable School District secures playoff victory, heads to state competition
Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:34am
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A cubist interpretation of the Mio Thunderbotz robotics team's competitive spirit and technical prowess as they charge towards the state finals.Roscommon TodayThe Mio Thunderbotz #9650 robotics team, a small group of just seven students from the Mio-AuSable School District, has secured a spot in the Michigan State-level robotics competition after an undefeated performance at the Lake City District Regionals. The team, led by coaches Shannon and Rod Mason, impressed with their determination, teamwork, and technical skills in designing and building a fully functional robot from scratch in just eight weeks.
Why it matters
The Thunderbotz' success highlights the value of STEM education and extracurricular programs that provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in engineering, coding, and teamwork. Their achievement also showcases the impact a small, dedicated team can have, even against larger competitors, and the importance of community support for these types of student initiatives.
The details
At the Lake City District Regionals, the Thunderbotz competed alongside alliance partners from Hopkins and Reed City, going undefeated to secure their spot at the state-level competition. This year's challenge involved designing a robot capable of collecting and launching foam balls into a basket to score points. The team dedicated countless hours to problem-solving, testing, and refining their design, gaining valuable experience in the process.
- The Lake City District Regionals took place from March 13-15, 2026.
- The Michigan State-level robotics competition is scheduled for April 16-18, 2026, at Saginaw Valley State University.
The players
Mio Thunderbotz #9650
A robotics team from the Mio-AuSable School District, consisting of seven students ranging from sixth through twelfth grade.
Shannon and Rod Mason
The coaches who have guided the Thunderbotz team for the past three years.
What they’re saying
“We are so proud of our students and the exceptional teamwork and technical skills they've demonstrated. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and we can't wait to see what they'll accomplish at the state competition.”
— Shannon and Rod Mason, Thunderbotz Coaches
What’s next
The Thunderbotz will compete in the Michigan State-level robotics competition at Saginaw Valley State University from April 16-18, 2026.
The takeaway
The Mio Thunderbotz' success in the regional competition and their advancement to the state finals demonstrates the value of STEM education and the impact that a small, dedicated team can have. Their achievement is a testament to the hard work, teamwork, and technical skills of the students, as well as the support of their coaches and the local community.
