Cyclone Robotics competes at Iowa Regional

HARLAN — The gears have stopped turning, and the dust has settled on an intense season for Cyclone Robotics, Team #9543. Competing at the prestigious FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Iowa Regional, the local squad proved that size isn’t everything when it comes to engineering, grit, and community spirit. In a field often dominated by large programs, the five-member crew of Cyclone Robotics held its own during a grueling qualification schedule. Facing off against dozens of teams from across the Midwest, the Cyclones finished their qualification matches with a respectable 4-4 record, being ranked as high as 17th place and finishing in 27th. While the team’s robot showcased consistent performance and the ability to make game-time changes throughout the weekend, they were ultimately not selected for a finals alliance during the playoff draft. However, the squad walked away with their heads high, having maintained a balanced win-loss record in one of the most competitive regions in the country.
What makes the 9543 season particularly impressive is the sheer workload handled by such a small roster. With only five members, every individual functioned as a “multi-tool” for the program. These students were responsible for the entire lifecycle of the robot—from the heavy mechanical assembly and intricate wiring to the high-pressure troubleshooting in the pits. Beyond the technical demands, the team also managed all “non-technical” operations, including scouting opponents, handling team promotion, and maintaining a social media presence to keep fans updated. For a handful of students to build a competitive machine while simultaneously running the business side of a robotics program is a testament to their dedication and work ethic. The entire team is made up of students in the sophomore class, thus the underclassman have grown their skills by working with FRC coders and builders at the event to learn new skills, tips, and tricks to use from year to year. Members of this year’s team are: AnnaLeigh Sheehan, Carlos Cervantes, Edie Kaufmann, Grant Chipman, Merry Sanduk, and Raymond Schechinger. The robotics team is overseen by Kyleigh Kumm.
Success in robotics requires more than just code and steel; it requires the support of a dedicated community. Cyclone Robotics extends its deepest gratitude to the local sponsors whose contributions made this season possible. The team would like to thank HAAS, Sunset Scoops, Fareway, and Shelby County State Bank for investing in the next generation of engineers and leaders. As the team begins their post-season breakdown and looks toward next year’s challenge, it is clear that Cyclone Robotics has established itself as a resilient and capable force in the Iowa FRC circuit.