Following the graduation of two senior design engineers, the young Pella High School Robotics team enters the new season with a foundation of emerging talent. The team is led by returning senior captain Meav Swank, supported by thirteen underclassmen.

Juniors Chetan Vanam and Isaac Steenhoek, along with sophomore Peyton Phillips and Freshman Atharv Gurnani, will help lead the varsity team this year. Both Vanam and Phillips previously provided engineering leadership on Pella’s State Champion Technology Student Association robotics teams. They’ll rely on the collaborative efforts of sophomores Kayle Huffaker and Zoe Shaffer, and freshmen Xavier Keasling as they continue to develop this year’s robot.

The team opened their season with two wins and three losses in alliance-style competition.

Next up, the Bionic Dutch will host their own meet on Saturday, November 22, at Pella High School. All 24 teams from the Central Iowa Robotics League are scheduled to compete. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to attend and experience FIRST Tech Challenge robotics up close.