‘The NUTS!’ robotics team anxiously waits to hear who will win the FIRST Tech Challenge state championships. Huddled around the screen they hear “And the inspire award goes to…” Team members rejoice, some in relief, others in disbelief, all in excitement. ‘The NUTS!’ will be representing WHHS at the world championships in Houston, Texas from April 20 to 23.

“It was a very surreal moment to know all our hard work advanced us in the competition,” Lillian Klinedinst, ‘24, said.

FTC is an organization with over 7,200 teams competing worldwide for an opportunity to advance through district, state and national events. It is an international science and technology program geared to prepare high school students to excel in challenges engineers experience in the real world. 

“Ohio historically is one of the most difficult states to get out of because of the quality of competition in the state of Ohio,” Coach Rocky Tekulve said. “To be the top team in the state of Ohio, you’re really one of the top teams in the country, if not the world. It’s a very, very exclusive accomplishment.”

This is not the first time ‘The NUTS!’ have advanced this far in the competition. Historically, the team has been very strong, making it to the world championships twice. While specific team members cycle through, one thing remains consistent: commitment. The team meets three times a week, Wednesdays are used as planning meetings for the five and eight-hour practices on Friday and Saturday.

FTC has several values, including gracious professionalism, a goal to build competitors up and to help them succeed. 

“Part of [gracious professionalism] is competing in an alliance format. Two alliances are competing against each other so your partner in one match might be your competitor in the next match,” SENIOR Kaylaa Betts said. Betts is a part of the programming team and serves as the outreach leader.

The inspire award is the highest award any team can achieve in the FIRST Tech Challenge competition, an automatic qualification to Worlds. It is presented to a team that serves as a role model to others, by promoting the values of FIRST and is highly ranked in both judging and field competitions. 

“Making it to Worlds is a great achievement, but we also want to be able to do well [while] at Worlds. Now we’re looking forward to competing with the best of the best.” Abhinav Goel, ‘25, said

At Worlds, ‘The NUTS!’ are focused on continuing their current strategy and enjoying the experience. This will be the first international competition for many of the members so the team is maintaining a low-pressure environment.

“If that means we wind up 160 out of 160 teams, so be it. If it means we wind up in second or third place, that’s wonderful as well,” Tekulve said. 

“To me, making a difference has always been a pretty high goal. We’re really hoping to represent Walnut Hills and have a great experience at Worlds this year,” Luke Early, ‘23, said. 

Early leads the programming section of the team. Despite being strictly for high schoolers, Early shadowed the team for several years prior to his freshman year, his persistence and knowledge gained over the years has been essential to the team’s success. “He is truly the mastermind behind our team right now,” Betts said. 

As SENIORS leave the team, choosing members is done very thoughtfully to carry on the team’s legacy. Looking for personality, as opposed to skills is a focus in the selection process, which is currently in progress. Students can apply to be on the team by submitting an application and if accepted, attending an interview.

“Our main priority is to make the best team possible for the kids who are returning for the next year. So we don’t want a kid to come in with preconceived ideas as to what they think we want of them. We just want to know who they are, what they’re all about and what motivates them.” Tekulve said.