From Startup to Standout: CCMS Robotics Teams’ Remarkable First Year

In Fall 2025, CCEF proudly funded start-up equipment for a new CCMS First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics program. In just a few short months, the Bagel Bits teams (a fitting nod to their CCHS counterparts, FRC Team 702 – Bagel Bytes) immersed themselves in the fundamentals of robotics: mastering proper tool use, learning robot construction principles, and interpreting Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings to guide their builds.

By October 2025, the 3 teams launched into competition with a practice scrimmage against seasoned programs from other schools. Despite being brand new, two of the three CCMS Robotics teams placed 4th and 5th out of 19 teams—an impressive debut.

Their hard work culminated on February 14, 2026, at the Palmdale Inter-league Tournament, where all three teams advanced to the playoffs. Team 1 (31451) finished 5th and ranked in the top 17% of teams worldwide. Team 2 (31452) went 4–1 in qualifications, finished 6th, and was the 3rd seed Alliance Captain. Team 3 (32667) won the 2nd place Connect Award, won a playoff match, and advanced to the Wildcards Tournament in Menafee, CA later that month. There, despite being the only rookies among 35 teams, they advanced to the tournament playoffs once again.

Throughout their inaugural season, students learned resilience through trial and error and developed critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills along the way. Each competition strengthened their technical knowledge and deepened their confidence. A team member shared, “Over the past year, I’ve truly enjoyed being part of the Culver City Middle School teams in FIRST Tech Challenge and watching our growth firsthand. With continued dedication and support, I believe we’re just getting started and on track to become something truly exceptional.”  

For a first year program, these accomplishments are extraordinary. CCEF congratulates the CCMS Robotics students, dedicated coaches, and supportive parent volunteers for building a program that is already competing—and succeeding—among long-established middle school robotics teams.