April 13, 2026

Ferris State hosts successful FIRST Robotics competition, allows high school students to engage in STEM opportunities

Hundreds of high school students from across Michigan put their STEM skills to the test as Ferris State University successfully hosted a FIRST Robotics competition. 

Nearly four dozen teams competed in this year’s event, as the students were provided with the opportunity to develop skills in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and math – as well as teamwork, and problem-solving while fostering a love for science and technology, all while competing against other teams and learning from one another.

FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – is a robotics competition where teams of students, coaches, and mentors work together to design, build, and program robots to compete in challenging games.

Ferris State served as the title sponsor of the event and held it inside the Jim Wink Arena. President Bill Pink spoke at the opening ceremony, using the opportunity to energize the competitors and their fans while mentioning the opportunities available at the university.

“I’m so excited to have each one of you here in Bulldog country, because we welcome all activities and events – and especially something like FIRST (Robotics),” Pink said. “This is not only an exciting day for competition, but a chance for you to see where something like robotics can take you after high school. … It could even lead you here to Ferris State.”

One of the many teams competing int this year’s FIRST Robotics competition was Grandville High School’s “The RoboDawgs”, who are coached by Doug Hepfer. One of Hepfer’s students, Calvin Gang, was ecstatic about having another chance for his team to show of its skills, but more importantly, to continue building on a strong bond with his teammates.

“I think it’s really important for everybody to be aware of how much of an opportunity we get to collaborate as a team being part of this (robotics) program,” he said. “It’s unique in that it gives a lot of kids, who are into STEM, an opportunity to branch out and develop relationships beyond robotics.”

Though the "RoboDawgs 3D affiliate did eventually place as an event finalist after a long weekend of action. Alliance 1, which featured the Newaygo County GEARS, Ludington O-Bots, and St. Ignace SHIELD were crowned the winners of the tournament.

Nate Leatherman, professor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology and the event coordinator for FIRST Robotics at Ferris State, noted that it’s inevitable to run into a few bumps in the road when hosting such a large event, but the outcome is always worth it.

“Seeing these kids enjoy themselves and having the chance to compete here at Ferris is why we do it. I love it,” Leatherman said.