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Round 2 - Waitlist Preferencing is now open!
📅 October 29 – November 4, 2026 ⏰ Opens: 12:00 PM (noon) | Closes: 12:00 PM (noon)
peggymaricle
1 day ago1 min read


Preparing for Your FTC Event: A Practical Guide
3:29 PM Competition day moves fast. Use this checklist covering technical rules, packing essentials, and event logistics to keep your team organized, focused, and ready to compete. 1. Rules & Technical Prep Review the Game Manual: Ensure everyone on your team thoroughly reads the BIOBUZZ Competition Manual. Check the official FTC Q&A forums regularly for recent rule updates, official clarifications, and game rulings. Run the Pre-Inspection Checklist: Walk through the official
peggymaricle
3 days ago2 min read



Jerry Krist
5 days ago0 min read


Last Night's FTC Program Call
Last night, FIRST Wisconsin Staff and Key Volunteers hosted an FTC Program Update Call to share important FTC information with coaches across the state. Attendance was very low, which is why we are writing this BLOG. We put significant time and effort into preparing these updates to keep all teams and coaches informed. Our staff and key volunteers also make themselves available to answer questions and support teams throughout the season. Out of more than 100 teams in Wisconsi

Jerry Krist
Oct 231 min read


FTC Qualifier "Showdown in Sheboygan"
The Showdown in Sheboygan FTC Qualifier at Sheboygan North High School, located at 2926 N. 10th St. We have created a Google Folder with the Judge’s Schedule (please note judging times have been updated), Concessions Menu, and maps linked in. These documents will be updated as needed; please check back on them prior to Friday in the event there are updates. We have 22 teams, and we have received 6 berths for teams to move on to state competition. Teams must enter through

Jerry Krist
Oct 222 min read


Opportunity to serve***UPDATE**:
Hello FIRST Wisconsin teams. Yesterday, I reached out asking for assistance with wheelchair ramps for the UPCOMING season. TODAY, FIRST HQ announced they will be supplying them for all our events. I want to express my gratitude to all the teams that contacted me today offering their help to make this happen. Since FIRST is now providing the ramps, I am humbly withdrawing my request for assistance with this project. Once again, thank you to all the teams that promptly stepped

Jerry Krist
Oct 211 min read


Get Ready to play BIOCORE with SYSTEMCORE!
Catch the SYSTEMCORE Preview hosted by FIRST Wisconsin alumnus Sam Freund from Sunday, October 18, 2026! Share the meeting recording with your programming students to learn about the new SYSTEMCORE. Explore the system’s capabilities and discover what your team can do now to prepare for this exciting transition. It’s almost time to play BIOCORE with SYSTEMCORE—click here to watch the video in the resources section of the FIRST Wisconsin website!

Jerry Krist
Oct 191 min read


Second Event Registration: Round 2 Preference Now Open!
Event Preference System | FIRST Robotics Competition
peggymaricle
Oct 161 min read


Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Peter Graven, 2026 Stemmy Individual Award Winner!
At FIRST Wisconsin, we are thrilled to celebrate one of our incredible community leaders. Peter Graven from the St. Francis School District has been honored with the 2026 Individual Stemmy Award! The Excellence in STEM Awards (The Stemmys) recognize those who passionately promote STEM awareness and elevate students' capabilities. Peter embodies the spirit of a FIRST mentor. He breaks down classroom walls to connect students with real-world challenges, guiding them through han
peggymaricle
Oct 161 min read


FTC Waitlist Preferencing is now open!
Did you miss round 1 or 2? Do you want third event? Now is the time to get on the waitlist for any event that might still have room. Click go to the FTC page at www.firstwisconsin.org and select event prefrencing.

Jerry Krist
Oct 141 min read


Robotics Head Advisor needed!
The West Bend School District is seeking a Robotics Head Advisor for their FIRST Robotics team. Position Overview Type: Seasonal. Deadline: Open until filled. Location: West Bend High School Campus. Key Responsibilities Mentorship: Guide students through design, build, programming, and strategy for competitive FIRST Robotics events. Safety: Oversee safety protocols during shop construction and drive practice. Operations: Assist with budget tracking, tool/material procurement,
peggymaricle
Oct 81 min read


Nominate an incredible Wisconsin educator or school today for the 2027 Inspire the Future: FIRST® Recognition Program!
Across Wisconsin, our robotics teams thrive because of the tireless dedication of local teachers, mentors, and schools. This is our chance to ensure our amazing state STEM leaders get the spotlight they deserve. Why Your Nomination Matters Whether they are guiding students through FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, or the FIRST Robotics Competition, Wisconsin educators go above and beyond every single day. Nominate an educator or school to help us honor their hard work!
peggymaricle
Oct 71 min read


October Program Webinar
Thursday October 22, 2026, 6:30PM Please join us for the October FTC Program update webinar, where we’ll provide a detailed overview of what teams can expect at upcoming competitions. We’ll cover important topics such as team roster requirements, invoicing procedures, judging expectations, event preparation, and other key information to help your team navigate the competition season with confidence. There will also be time to highlight additional program updates and answer co

Jerry Krist
Oct 71 min read


Calling all rookie FTC teams!
Are you looking for a fun, hands-on way to secure funding for your team while mastering robot programming? The FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant is officially live, offering a $1000 USD grant to eligible new teams across North America. This unique opportunity is funded through HCB and designed to reward your students' hard work. Instead of just writing an essay, your students will actively code their way to funding by solving interactive challenges. Here is everything you need
peggymaricle
Oct 72 min read


FIRST Wisconsin Grant Resources
Grants are a great way to help cover your team's expenses such as registration, parts, travel, and other costs. However, the Youth Advisory’s Council's Growth and Sustainability Committee recognized that many grants can be difficult to apply for. To support teams through the process, we have developed tutorial documents with instructions for three of the most common FIRST Robotics grants in Wisconsin. Wisconsin DPI Robotics League Participation Grant (Closes October 5, 2026)
Jeffery L
Oct 41 min read


FTC Qualifier "THUMBWARS"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Qualifier "JAG-WIRE QUALIFER"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Qualifier "WHITEWATER ROBORAGE"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Round 2 Event Preferencing is Now Open!
Round 2 of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Event Preferencing is officially live on the FIRST Wisconsin Website FTC Page! 📅 Important Dates Round 2 (Events January & after): Sep 30, 12:00 PM – Oct 7, 11:59 PM Wait List Sign Up Opens: Oct 14, 12:00 PM
peggymaricle
Sep 301 min read


SHOUT FTC Demo Opportunity!
Hey teams! We're looking for a few teams to come and demo their robots at SHOUT Robotics Competition 2026! SHOUT Robotics Competition is an FRC tournament where girls take the controls as teams compete in a full day of robotics action and awards, promoting a fun and supportive environment for girls to take their skills to the next level. Through this event, we hope to contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM and advancing inclusive team cultures. In conjunction with this

Jerry Krist
Sep 291 min read
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