The Pella High School Robotics team showcased resilience at the 2025 Iowa FTC State Robotics Championship, according to Coach Brent Ewell. Competing in the highly competitive Black Division, the team finished 12th overall with a record of four wins and two losses.

Heading into their final qualification match, the Bionic Dutch were ranked 5th and poised for a chance to compete in the Black Division Alliance Championship, a stepping stone to the state title. A loss in their final match dropped them to 12th place, ending their championship aspirations.

Despite this setback, Ewell says the team earned high praise for their engineering ingenuity. They were recognized as a third-place runner-up for the prestigious “Think” Award, one of the highest honors at the competition. The honor celebrates teams that excel in the science and mathematics of robot design, demonstrating the application of engineering principles, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement throughout the season.