Perham Hosts Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference Championship and Open
The Perham Area Community Center transformed into a hub of high-energy STEM competition this past weekend as high school teams gathered for the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference (NMRC) Championship and Open Tournament.
Friday kicked off with the NMRC Championship, where Team 5913 Patriotic Robotics from Pequot Lakes, put on a commanding performance. Entering the playoff bracket as the number two seed, Patriotic Robotics swept the championship finals in two straight games of a best-of-three series alongside alliance partners Team 7257 Semiconductors from Sauk Centre, and Team 5253 Backwoods Bots from Bigfork.
The excitement carried right through the venue doors, drawing curious glances and enthusiastic reactions from regular community center visitors. Perham Area Community Center fitness instructor Hilary Runyan noted the energy the event brought into the facility.
Friday’s ceremony also recognized excellence both on and off the field, celebrating students, mentors, and teams across northern Minnesota.
- Volunteer of the Year: Paul Harding
- Coach of the Year: Erin Pocquette (Team 5253 Backwoods Bots – Bigfork)
- Team Member of the Year: Eva Morgan (Team 5653 Iron Mosquitoes – Babbitt)
- Engineering Inspiration Award: Team 5653 Iron Mosquitoes (Babbitt)
- Judges Award: Team 2503 Warrior Robotics (Brainerd)
- Team Spirit Award: Team 4539 Kaotic Robotics (Frazee)
- JV Impact Award: Team 3297 Full Metal Jackets (Perham)
- Varsity Impact Award: Team 3102 Tech-no-Tigers (Nevis)
NMRC President Matt Wendland emphasized that while the machines capture the spotlight, the robotics program serves as an open door for students of all backgrounds and skill sets to collaborate.
The action continued Saturday with the NMRC Open Tournament. Patriotic Robotics once again proved to be the team to beat, this time claiming the number one seed and going unbeaten on the day, sweeping their way to a weekend double-victory alongside alliance partners Team 6045 Saber Robotics from Sartell, and Team 7048 Red River Rage from Fargo.
Pulling off back-to-back tournaments took an army of dedicated supporters. Wendland highlighted the massive volunteer effort that made the weekend run smoothly.
With two championship trophies heading home to Pequot Lakes and teams across the region earning well-deserved recognition, the weekend served as a testament to the thriving robotics community across northern Minnesota and beyond.