Lacombe Comp Hosts Record-Breaking Robotics Competition
A record-breaking robotics competition at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (ÉSLCHS) brought together innovation, teamwork, and excitement, solidifying the school’s role as a leader in STEM education in central Alberta.
This year’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) event, “Into the Deep,” marked the third time ÉSLCHS has hosted the competition, featuring a record 12 teams and drawing more than 200 spectators. Participants designed and operated robots to navigate an underwater-themed playing field, collecting and scoring elements to earn points. Teams competed in autonomous, driver-controlled, and endgame segments, with high-stakes challenges such as robot ascents..
“It’s extremely important for the school because STEM is such a focus at both the secondary and university levels,” said ÉSLCHS teacher and robotics program mentor Steve Schultz. “Programs like this give students an advantage in scholarships and admissions, with schools like the University of Alberta and University of Calgary highly regarding these experiences.”
Robotic Triumphs
ÉSLCHS teams shone brightly on home turf. Team 4169 URL RoboRams, one of Alberta’s oldest robotics teams, emerged victorious, while other ÉSLCHS teams claimed third, fourth, and 11th places. For Team Mec Mavericks, a homeschool pilot project, placing third was an impressive feat for a small team with limited experience.
“The most exciting thing was seeing all the hard work pay off and our robot actually working,” said Liam, a member of Team Mec Mavericks. “We had to overcome challenges like rebuilding our robot during the competition because it was just one millimetre over the size limit.”
For Avriee, a rookie team member from Team Uncertified, the thrill came from seeing their efforts come to life. “The most exciting thing was actually getting to see our robot run and having our work pay off,” she said. “The challenging part was when things broke, and we had to fix them quickly.”
Team Spectre faced setbacks but persevered. “We didn’t get to use much of our systems due to issues, but we never quit,” said team member Jaren. “That’s something we’re really proud of.”
Fostering Leadership and Collaboration
Schultz emphasized the program’s focus on developing leadership skills and gracious professionalism—a hallmark of FTC competitions. “Students learn to compete while ensuring their competitors can perform at their best. They share ideas, parts, and even code,” Schultz said. “It’s a unique environment where students grow through both successes and failures.”
Students echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the competition fosters creativity and collaboration. “It’s always exciting to see what other teams have created,” said Layla, the captain of URL RoboRams. “Everyone comes up with completely different ideas for the same challenges, and it’s inspiring.”
Preparing for the Future
The competition also showcased the dedication of ÉSLCHS students, many of whom invested hundreds of hours preparing. Team members learned advanced skills, from 3D printing to programming, and gained valuable experience in engineering processes.
“The lesson we learned is that simplicity works best,” Layla said. “We tried multiple iterations of arms and mechanisms, but the simplest design was the one that worked.”
Looking ahead, teams are already strategizing for their next competition on Dec. 15 at St. Joseph High School in Red Deer. Team Spectre is entirely rebuilding its robot to streamline performance, while URL RoboRams are focusing on improving autonomous scoring modes and secure specimen placements.
Community Engagement
This year’s event also highlighted the program’s growing impact on the local community. “Having over 200 spectators shows how much robotics is resonating here,” Schultz said. “It’s incredible to see parents, mentors, and volunteers supporting these students.”
Beyond competitions, ÉSLCHS students are giving back by mentoring junior high and elementary robotics clubs in the area, running summer camps, and promoting STEM outreach through initiatives like 3D-printed keychains and social media engagement.
Hopes for the Season
As the robotics season progresses, Schultz hopes his teams will continue to grow in skill and leadership. While a return to the World Championships in Houston, Texas—where ÉSLCHS teams have competed three times in the past—would be a dream, Schultz remains focused on the bigger picture.
“I want them to achieve their best and learn from this experience,” he said. “Whether it’s winning awards, competing at regionals, or mentoring others, these students are building something far beyond just robots.”
The next milestones include the Central Alberta Championships on Feb. 9 at Red Deer Polytechnic and the Western Canadian Championships on March 15 to 16 at St. Joseph High School. With strong performances and growing community support, ÉSLCHS is poised to continue leading the way in robotics innovation.