St. Peter Robotics Teams Compete in the FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament
January 9, 2026
Jeston Morris
Gila River Indian News
BAPCHULE, Ariz. — Four robotics teams from St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School competed in the Arizona First Lego League (FLL) regional qualifying tournament on Dec. 13 at Skyline Gila River High School.
Although the teams did not advance to the state championship, St. Peter students earned three honors: Robot Design, Rising All Star, and Coach/Mentor.
Twenty-one teams from across the Valley participated in this year’s qualifier. Students trained for three months in preparation for the event, which followed the FLL theme “Unearthed,” focusing on archaeology, history and discovering the past. The state championship is scheduled for January 2026.
Coach JoEllen Kinnamon said her students researched archaeological sites including Snaketown and Casa Grande Ruins, learning that Arizona has more than 16,000 documented sites — 59 of them located on the Gila River Indian Community, with two designated as national monuments.
“The kids love to build in Lego League,” Kinnamon said. “They learn that the Legos are not toys but tools — tools to move stuff.”
Team Results:
The Newbies placed 14th in their first competition. Team members are Lynn Jackson, Trusaline Gonzales and Maddy Figueroa.
Vest Tribe finished ninth. Hayden Thomas and Evangeline Hayes served as team mentors, and Ms. Vest coached the group. Team members are Abrigail Hayes, Paolo Vest and Shdya Vest.
“I was nervous at the robotics competition,” said Paolo Vest. “Our robot was not working, so I thought we were going to lose. Then we got it to work.”
Snake Town Protectors placed 11th. Team member Muriah Miles accepted the Best Robot Design Award on behalf of the group. Members include Ruby Harrison, Benjamin Thomas, Ian Thomas and Jarrod Ramon.
“The presentation was challenging but fun,” Miles said. “The award we received is for robot design. It’s a big robot — hard to get around — but it makes it easier to get the mission done.”
Guardians of the Desert earned third place. Team member Lylonni Brown received the Rising All Star Award. Members include Emmett Miguel, Claire Crawford, Josiah Antone, Isiah Hernandez and Zachary Antone.
“I feel proud of my team,” Brown said.
Miles also offered a simple explanation of the team’s coding process.
“Autonomous means it moves by itself,” she said. “We start with the motors for the two wheels. They’re all color coded. We code the speed and the rotation so it can get the mission done.”
Coach Recognition
Kinnamon received the Best Coach/Mentor Award.
“My kids nominated me for the Coach/Mentor Award,” she said. “That says a lot because I am a bear.”
Kinnamon said the teams scored 210 points, securing third place overall in robot performance.
“The kids put their heart and soul into the robotics,” she said. “Last year, we were selected to go to State. We were the only Native team that represented Arizona.”
Looking Ahead
The Gentle Giants did not compete this year but are preparing for next season. Despite not qualifying for State, St. Peter’s robotics teams remain optimistic. A post tournament press conference was held at St. Peter following the event.