Stampede 3630 Charges Through Technical Hurdles to Secure Alliance Selection and Awards at Week 1 Regional
Stampede 3630 competes in the 2026 Lake Superior Regional
GOLDEN VALLEY, MN – Breck School’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, Team 3630 (Stampede), demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic prowess at the 2026 Lake Superior Regional. Despite a series of significant technical challenges, the team secured a spot in the playoff rounds and took home two of the most distinguished individual and team honors of the competition.
Overcoming Adversity on the Field
The tournament began with a gauntlet of technical setbacks for Stampede. The team faced a multitude of issues ranging from complex software bugs to mechanical failures within the robot’s intake system. However, the pit crew and drive team worked tirelessly to iterate on the fly, showcasing the "Stampede" spirit of perseverance.
By the conclusion of the qualification matches, Team 3630 secured a Rank 22 standing. While the ranking reflected the early-season mechanical hurdles, the team’s on-field performance caught the eyes of the top-tier competitors.
Strategic Brilliance in Alliance Selection
During the alliance selection process, Stampede’s defensive capabilities were recognized by the #2 Seed Alliance. The alliance was captained by Team 3297 (Full Metal Jackets), who specifically scouted 3630 for their elite defensive maneuvers.
A significant highlight of the playoff run was the defensive play of Jackson G. (’28), whose precision driving and ability to neutralize opponent scoring proved instrumental to the alliance’s strategy. According to data provided by The Blue Alliance, Stampede’s defensive contributions allowed their offensive partners to maximize scoring efficiency, proving that a well-executed defensive strategy is just as vital as scoring points. Ultimately, Stampede and its alliance partners ended as regional finalists in a close two-to-one loss in the best two out of three finals matches.
Leadership and Character Honors
Beyond the robot itself, Breck School excelled in leadership and community impact.
FIRST Leadership Award: Team Captain Julia R. was honored with the Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional ability to guide the team through the weekend’s technical crises with poise and strategic vision.
Gracious Professionalism® Award: In a testament to the team’s culture, Team 3630 was awarded the Gracious Professionalism Award. This honor is given to the team that best demonstrates the ability to work hard and compete fiercely while treating others with respect and kindness in the process.
Looking Ahead
With the technical issues mostly resolved and the code stabilized, Stampede is looking forward to their next competition with a refined robot and the momentum of a successful playoff appearance.
About Stampede: Team 3630, Stampede, is the varsity robotics team of Breck School in Golden Valley, MN. Dedicated to the principles of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the team focuses on engineering excellence, community outreach, and fostering a passion for STEM in students of all ages.