Members of the Almighty Cheeto Puffs robotics team advanced to the VEX Robotics World Championship scheduled for the end of April in St. Louis, Missouri. The team, which consists of Colton Burns, James Conrad, Parker Clark and Sammy Harberson, maintained the top spot during the two-day state championship and was selected the Judges’ Award winner. (Submitted photo)

DAYTON — Columbiana teams delivered an impressive performance at the VEX IQ Ohio State Robotics Championship, held recently in Dayton, competing against some of the top elementary and middle school programs in Ohio.

In the elementary division, which featured 49 teams, The Birb Gang — Rivers Purcell, Ethan Kryzs, Dominic Kramer, Valin Rouse, and Andrew Gilpin — finished 41st in qualifying matches and 33rd in the Skills Challenge, recording a high score of 89.

Also representing Columbiana in the elementary division, The Purple Pringles — Audrey Conrad, Gus Churchman, Raylee Pizzedaz, Crosby Delaux and Mason Erdel — placed 12th overall in qualifying matches and 32nd in Skills. The team advanced to the finals, earning a seventh place finish, and posted a tournament high score of 163.

In the middle school division, comprising 47 teams, Code A Cola — Derrick Hepner, Carson Greene, and substitute Delaney Morris-Rouse — secured 32nd place in qualifying matches and 37th in Skills, scoring 117.

The standout performance of the event came from The Almighty Cheeto Puffs, consisting of Colton Burns, James Conrad, Parker Clark and Sammy Harberson, who maintained the top ranking throughout the two-day competition.

The team finished first in both qualifying and finals matches, placed 12th in Skills with a high score of 235 points, became 2026 Teamwork Champions, and were honored with the Judges’ Award for their exemplary performance and overall team excellence.

Their achievements earned them a berth at the upcoming VEX Robotics World Championship, scheduled for April 28-30 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Columbiana’s strong showing at the state level reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of its robotics program.