Fountain Hills High School hosted a massive VEX Robotics tournament Feb. 14, welcoming teams from all over the state and beyond for a long day of competition.

According to organizer and local high school Robotics Club advisor Dr. Paul McElligott, this year’s event was a huge success.

“Sixty-six teams showed up to participate,” McElligott said.

“What does that say about the growing interest in robotics among students? Vex Robotics has more than doubled this year in teams. We were turning teams away.”

Local students have been a part of the robotics scene for a handful of years now, earning titles and competing at state and national events along the way.

Last year, the Falcons hosted their first major tournament and, this year, it was once again the largest in the state.

While the 2014 event saw McElligott and his volunteer helpers experiencing some growing pains, he said that, thanks to some new wires and connectors, this year’s show ran flawlessly and wrapped up according to schedule.

At the event, a total of 44 Vex Sky Rise (middle school and high school) teams competed alongside 22 IQ teams (K-6). McElligott reported that the crowd was estimated at more than 500 people crammed into the two gyms, with building, testing and presentations taking place on one side of the building and actual competitions taking place in front of packed bleachers on the other side.

Earning the Excellence Award at this outing was the team from North Pointe Prep. The tournament champions were Campo Verde High School, Vista Grande High School and Team Automata.

Fountain Hills was a finalist once again, receiving its third invitation to take part in the upcoming state event. Two local teams are now qualified to compete.

“I could not be more pleased with how everything went,” McElligott said.

“My thanks to all of the Fountain Hills people who came to judge, ref and help out.”

McElligott added that a lot of volunteers stepped up last minute, with Ed Roberts earning the Volunteer of the Year award for his continued support.