Grapevine High School’s Mustang Robotics delivered a thrilling comeback to finish as the UIL 5A FIRST Robotics State Runner-Up.
After finishing 13th overall in qualification matches and suffering an early loss that placed them in the lower bracket at state, held Friday, March 20, the Mustangs persevered.
“They showed incredible resilience,” said coach Anya McCarthy.
Match by match, the team fought their way back advancing through the bracket and ultimately earning a spot in the championship finals. They finished second in the state alongside their alliance partner, Tech Titans from Centennial High School in Frisco.
In FIRST Robotics competitions, teams compete in an alliance format, partnering with another team for each round of the bracket-style tournament. The goal is to emphasize respectful competition.
This was Mustang Robotics’ fourth consecutive year returning to state after winning the bronze in 2025.
FIRST, which stands For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is one of two UIL robotics divisions. The non-profit FIRST is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering youth robotics competitions that inspire innovation, build confidence, and prepare young people for life.