Collage of six photos from a Tennessee Middle School robotics competition. Students work in teams around VEX robotics game fields marked with orange, red, and blue game pieces. Several images show students discussing strategy, reviewing score sheets, and observing matches while spectators watch from nearby seating. Competition officials and volunteers are visible at scoring tables in the background. A close-up image highlights the game field and scoring elements. The Tennessee Middle School Viking logo appears in the lower-right corner.

Tennessee Middle School Students Put Engineering Skills to the Test in Robotics Competition

Bristol Tennessee City Schools

June 3, 2026

Students in the Tennessee Middle School Robotics Club recently showcased months of learning, teamwork, and problem-solving during the school's VEX Robotics "Mix & Match" competition, held in early May.

Led by team coach and facilitator Catherine Lamie, the event challenged student teams to design, build, program, and operate robots that could complete a series of tasks on a competition field. Teams earned points by collecting and stacking game pieces, placing them in scoring areas, and adapting their strategies throughout multiple rounds of play.

For many students, the competition was the culmination of months of preparation.

"We've been training and getting ready for this for months," said eighth-grader Corydon Gillespie. "Every round, we're learning something new and getting better."

Students quickly discovered that success required more than simply building a robot. Teams analyzed rules, adjusted strategies, solved technical problems, and worked together under pressure. Gillespie explained that his team refined its approach throughout the competition after realizing new ways to navigate the field and score points more efficiently.

Other students described the excitement of seeing their robots perform after weeks of planning and testing.

"I really enjoy trying to stack the pins," said Aliana Smith of Team Castle Crashers. "It's stressful because you don't have much time, but it's a good kind of stress."

Each match gave teams just 90 seconds to score as many points as possible, creating a fast-paced environment that required quick thinking and strong communication.

The competition also provided an opportunity for Tennessee High School robotics students to support and mentor younger participants. Members of the high school's robotics program assisted with scoring, judging, and event operations while sharing their experiences with middle school students.

Luke Hicks, a Tennessee High School robotics student, said the event helps introduce younger students to opportunities available through the district's robotics programs.

"We're here to help with the competition and hopefully recruit some of them into our robotics program," Witt said. "It's a chance to get involved, raise awareness, and encourage students who are interested in engineering and robotics."

Throughout the competition, students demonstrated perseverance, creativity, and collaboration as they adapted to challenges and celebrated successes with teammates.

The evening was about much more than points and rankings. It was an opportunity for students to apply engineering concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and experience the rewards of teamwork and innovation. It also gave students the chance to showcase their hard work and creativity to family members and supporters who came to cheer them on.