The field falls quiet as the final match ends, robots frozen in place under the bright lights. Teams crowd around the screen, waiting. Then the results appear, and Cedar Park’s robotics team erupts into cheers. After months of preparation and a full week of competition over spring break, Robolobos Fenrir had done it again.

Competing at the UIL 5A State Championship in Waco on March 20, the team secured their fourth consecutive state title, continuing a streak that has set them apart as one of the top robotics programs in Texas. Alongside the win, the team also earned the Team Spirit Award for pointing out an error during competition that ultimately benefited multiple teams.

“We’re successful because we approach everything as a team,” senior president Jayden Yeoman said. “We are stronger together than we are apart, and that mindset has helped us stay consistent year after year.”

Beyond the UIL competition, the team traveled to the Texas State Cup, where they faced some of the strongest teams in the state. Surrounded by rows of robots, judges and intense competition, Robolobos earned the first place design award. Another Cedar Park team followed closely behind, placing second in design. 

“Our robots were designed to complete one of the most challenging parts of the game, which was sorting,” Yeoman said. “Each team approached it differently, but all of them used sensors and creative designs to solve the same problem.”

During competition, teams formed alliances and worked together to compete against other top ranked groups. Matches often came down to quick decisions and precise execution, with little room for error.

“One thing that really made us stand out was our reliability,” junior vice president Grayson Lerche said. “A consistent robot that performs every match will win over a high scoring robot that is inconsistent.”

Behind every match, however, are hours of preparation that most people never see. Late afternoons in the lab turn into long evenings, with students balancing technical work and presentations, constantly refining both their robot and their strategy.

“Some people don’t realize how much time commitment goes into preparing for robotics competitions,” sophomore Sree Dhanikonda said. “Not only do we have our technical components, but we also have to prepare a portfolio and present to judges.”

For many team members, those long hours become some of the most memorable parts of the season. Whether working after school or competing on the field, the experience brings the team closer together.

“My overall experience from competing over spring break was that it was insanely fun,” Dhanikonda said. “I really enjoyed spending time with my friends and meeting new people at the competition.”

The team’s season is not over yet, with Worlds approaching in April. However, with another state title secured and multiple awards earned, the Robolobos have once again proven that their success is no coincidence.

“We’ve been able to stay successful because our program keeps improving and focusing on long term growth,” Lerche said. “We really try to build something that lasts, not just for one season but for years to come.”