The Montgomery County Public Schools robotics team, known as the Copperheads, is heading to Houston, Texas, after a dominant performance at the FIRST Chesapeake District Championship. Led by head coaches Mr. Collver and Ms. Stoll from Blacksburg High School, the team earned eighth place in a competitive field of 118 teams representing Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. This finish secured them one of the 19 exclusive slots reserved for the region’s top competitors at the upcoming FRC World Championship.
The journey to the international stage was the result of an intense ten-week season. During this period, students worked alongside coaches and mentors to design, build, and program a robot from the ground up. The team’s technical prowess was evident throughout their campaign, as they competed in three separate events and finished as finalists twice and in third place once. Their consistent performance on the field was matched by their commitment to the community, which earned them several accolades, including the Impact Award for excellence in STEM outreach.
In addition to their competitive success, the Copperheads played a vital role in bringing the sport to their own backyard. With the assistance of local volunteers, the team hosted a major competition in Blacksburg that drew regional attention and media coverage. Their enthusiasm for the sport was further recognized in Richmond, where the group was honored with the Team Spirit Award for their energy and collaborative culture.
The Copperheads are now shifting their focus toward the FIRST Championship later this month. They will join 600 teams from across the globe to compete on the world stage, representing Southwest Virginia in one of the most prestigious youth engineering competitions in the world.