Venue: Mary R. Stauffer Middle School, Downey, California, United States
Date: October 4, 2025
Teams: 32 registered | Matches: 63
PART 1: THE MAIN DATA
Awards
🏅 Excellence Award (Middle School)
471B – Tech Titans from Mary R. Stauffer Middle School Robotics in Downey, California (Middle School) earned the Excellence Award for their all-around achievement in performance, design, and teamwork. Their dedication throughout the event reflected a mature approach to problem-solving and engineering, setting them apart as leaders both on and off the field.
🏆 Tournament Champions
471B – Tech Titans from Mary R. Stauffer Middle School Robotics and 7700E – Eagle Engineering from Downey Unified Robotics Program in Downey, California (Middle School) worked together to dominate the elimination rounds and secure the championship title.
The alliance’s smooth coordination and well-timed driving strategy allowed them to overcome every challenge on the field. Their chemistry and calm focus earned the crowd’s respect as they powered through the finals.
🧠 Design Award
7700E – Eagle Engineering from Downey Unified Robotics Program in Downey, California (Middle School) also took home the Design Award, completing a remarkable double win. Their documentation, robot layout, and clear engineering logic caught the attention of judges. Eagle Engineering’s creative approach demonstrated what disciplined planning can achieve in a competitive environment.
⚙️ Robot Skills Champion
471B – Tech Titans from Mary R. Stauffer Middle School Robotics achieved the top combined score in the Skills Challenge. Their precision in both driving and programming runs reflected consistency and control, confirming their status as one of the most efficient and prepared teams in the region.
💡 Judges Award
9078Y – Gear Hawks from Warren Middle Robotics in Downey, California (Middle School) earned the Judges Award for their spirit, collaboration, and resilience throughout the tournament. The team stood out for their steady improvement and positive energy, leaving a strong impression on both judges and fellow competitors.
Skills Challenge Highlights
Driver Skills Top Score: 471B – Tech Titans (Mary R. Stauffer Middle School Robotics)
Programming Skills Top Score: 471B – Tech Titans (Mary R. Stauffer Middle School Robotics)
The Tech Titans dominated both categories with balanced performance and remarkable precision during their runs.
PART 2: THE STORY
Downey came alive with robotics energy as 32 middle school teams gathered at Mary R. Stauffer Middle School for the October Stauffer Challenge Tournament. The competition floor buzzed with the sound of gears, controllers, and cheers as students put their creations to the test in the 2025–2026 Push Back challenge.
Throughout the day, alliances formed and strategies evolved. Teams learned to adapt, repair, and push forward, each match bringing new lessons and closer rivalries. The energy in the gym grew with every round as parents, teachers, and friends filled the stands to support their students.
By the time eliminations began, the top teams had clearly risen to the occasion. The pairing of 471B and 7700E delivered clean, efficient teamwork, combining sharp driving and reliable programming to secure the win. Their championship run capped off an event that showcased discipline, focus, and creativity.
The Tech Titans left an undeniable mark by collecting multiple awards including Excellence, Skills, and Tournament Champion, proving that preparation and teamwork go hand in hand. Meanwhile, Eagle Engineering showed that strong documentation and consistent improvement pay off, adding both the Design Award and the Championship to their record.
Every participant left the event inspired. Whether it was a match won or a new design idea discovered, the Stauffer Challenge gave every student a reason to be proud of what they built and to look forward to what comes next.
RFORCE Commentary
The Stauffer Challenge Tournament was a celebration of teamwork, creativity, and determination. The middle school competitors in Downey showed exactly what makes California’s robotics community so special. Every student, coach, and mentor contributed to an atmosphere of innovation and excitement that defined the day.
Congratulations to all award winners and to every team that competed with passion and integrity.
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Written by the RFORCE Editorial Team
For the dreamers, the builders, and the next generation of innovators.