East Mountain High School Robotics Team Earns Honors at Amarillo Regional

AMARILLO, Texas — The East Mountain High School robotics team, Timberwolf Robotics, delivered a strong performance at their second regional competition of the season, reaching the playoff semifinals and securing a prestigious award for their teamwork and future planning.

Competing at the FIRST In Texas District Amarillo Event, the Sandia Park-based Team 7540 navigated a field of seasoned competitors to earn a spot in the elimination rounds. After placing well in the qualification matches, the Timberwolves were named Captain of Alliance #7 for the playoffs.

The team’s postseason run came to an end in the semifinals, but their impact on the floor did not go unnoticed.

Rising Stars and Sustainability

Timberwolf Robotics was honored with the Rising All-Star Award, a recognition given to smaller or newer teams that demonstrate exceptional effort and potential. Judges specifically highlighted the team’s sustainability initiatives, noting their strategic planning to ensure the program’s success in future years.

The achievement is particularly notable given the team’s roster. Eight of the nine students who competed this year are new to the program, with Team Captain and Drive Coach Ian Kersh serving as the lone veteran member.

During the event, the team was also presented with a grant check from the Gene Haas Foundation, further supporting the program’s technical and educational goals.

The Competition Crew

The attending members who led the Timberwolves through the Amarillo regional included:

• Ian Kersh: Team Captain and Drive Coach
• Nathan Leaming: Operator
• Aiden Means: Human Player and Match Manager
• Eli Lajeunesse: Driver
• Abe Mount: Technician
• Abran Alarid Pease: Safety Captain
• Nate Means: Temporary Driver
• Luke Means: Spirit Captain

The team also extended an honorable mention to Davian Leyba, who played a vital role in building the robot but was unable to attend the Texas competition.

Community Support

The team’s success was made possible through a network of local and corporate sponsors. This year’s partners include the EMHS Foundation, Happy Homes, Boeing, Gene Haas Foundation, Barnhill Bolts, APT Family Enterprises, and Playdate Industries.

Mentors, parents, and students were also credited for their season-long commitment to the program.