The Huntsville High School Hoya Robotics team is gearing up to take on the best as they head to the FIRST Robotics Ontario Provincial Championships.
The event, which takes place in Niagara Falls April 16 to April 19, will bring together the top 100 robotics teams from across Ontario. The top 25 teams will earn a spot at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. The Hoyas previously competed at the world level in 2025, where they placed third in their division.
In preparation for the upcoming competition, the team has been hard at work on their robot, programming and making mechanical improvements to enhance performance and accuracy.
At competitions, team members take on key roles including the drive team, pit crew, and scouting team, all working collaboratively to achieve success.
“FIRST has a unique community that has welcomed me with a sense of cooperation and inclusivity, fueling my love for STEM,” said team member, Austin D.
The team qualified for provincials following strong performances at two district events in March. At the Durham College District event, the team placed 10th out of 28 teams after qualification matches and advanced to the quarterfinals, ultimately finishing fourth with their alliance. At the North Bay District event, they placed sixth after qualifications and again reached the quarterfinals, finishing fourth with their alliance. At these events, the team received several awards, including the Industrial Design Award, the Safety All-Star Award, and the Innovation and Control Award.
Team members said their experience in the robotics program has equipped them with valuable skills they apply to all aspects of their lives and will carry with them into their futures.
“FIRST Robotics has helped me find a future in healthcare that still includes my love for technology,” said team member, Emma Z.
“Being part of Hoya Robotics has been monumental in building my technical skills, leadership, and collaboration,” said team member, Allison Munroe. “It is allowing me to go into engineering with confidence and gives rise to so many valuable opportunities.”
Lead mentor Ian McTavish furthers these sentiments, highlighting the remarkable growth he’s witnessed in members over the years.
“Having served as a mentor for Hoya Robotics for 15 years, I have watched generations of students graduate. Their time on the robotics team helped them develop technical skills and all the essentials that contribute to the team,” said McTavish. “I am so proud and honored of the growth I see in these students as they embody the ethos of gracious professionalism.”
The team’s success is made possible through strong community support, including sponsorships and donations that help fund competitions, resources, and equipment.
To boost fundraising efforts, the team is hosting a Wall-E screening at Algonquin Theatre on May 9 at 2 p.m. Additional donations can be made at the door.
To donate to the team, click here
