"It Feels Surreal": Headland Robotics Team Advances to VEX World Championship

HEADLAND, Ala. - A robotics team from Headland High School has made history by qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis. The team, known as the Country Bumpkins, will compete against participants from 60 countries this April.

The team earned their spot at the world championship by winning the Create Award at the state competition. This award recognizes a robot that stands out in terms of design and innovation.

Coach Carla Tew started the Headland robotics program seven years ago. She never imagined that her students would reach such an impressive level of success.

“For our small school, like Headland, to be able to do this is amazing,” Tew said. “And then to see us on a list to compete at Worlds with countries like China, Japan, and Australia is just unbelievable.”

The program began in a storage closet, but it has grown into something much more meaningful for the students involved.

“It’s going to make me cry again,” Tew said. “Because it’s life-changing for these kids to be able to go and do this — and see that not only can they compete on a global level, but it can also be a career path for them in the future.”

The team consists of four students: a freshman, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior. Each member plays a crucial role in the team's success.

Cooper Herbold built the robot. Charlie Arndt handled the coding. Aubrey Moore and Alex Hutchinson documented every decision throughout the process.

Herbold said the achievement has not fully set in yet.

“It feels surreal,” Herbold said. “Because, you know, we’ve always heard about Worlds. We’ve always seen these teams go to Worlds.”

Hutchinson added that the team is still processing the moment.

“So the fact that we get to experience Worlds — like all of us haven’t even processed it yet,” Hutchinson said. “I think it’s going to be mind-blowing when we get there.”

Herbold explained what the team’s name means to him.

“You know, a little no-name school that’s just trying to represent us,” Herbold said. “I’m shocked with how many people know us now. Don’t mess with the bumpkin.”

The Country Bumpkins are currently accepting donations to help fund their trip to St. Louis. Those interested in supporting the team can contact Coach Tew at ctew@henrycountyboe.org.

The team will compete from April 21 to 24. Fans can watch the matches live on the team’s Facebook page.

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