Robotics team qualifies for state

The Leopold Gearheads qualified for state for the first time in three years. The state competition will be March 2 in Rolla.

The robotics team also received the Inspire Award on Jan. 27 through FIRST Tech Challenge. A panel of judges determined that the Leopold team embodied the challenge of FIRST and was the most promising role model in the competition for the robotics community.

Throughout the season, the Gearheads focused on making improvements and reaching out to community members to help the team achieve this goal. The team also hosted a pep rally for the whole school on the Wednesday prior to the competition to get the Wildcats excited for the big day.

The team includes seniors Noland Beussink, Houston Lafferty and Wyatt Vandeven; juniors Karsen Castile, Shandy Elfrink, Josh Horrell and Wil Seiler; sophomore Piper Lincoln; and freshmen Ayden McWilliams, Rylie Schreiner, Merinne Wilson and Chloe Wiseman.

"I think state is going to be very interesting, but if we keep up the great teamwork, we should be good," Lafferty said. "Until then, we'll just keep livin' on a prayer."