Heading out west on a journey to the frontier—well, the frontier of cutting-edge robotics, that is! Pryor High School and Pryor Middle School robotics students recently traveled to Whiteriver, Arizona, to compete against 28 teams from across the nation at the 6th Annual Southwest Native American VEX IQ Robotics Competition Showcase Event.
The competition was hosted by the White Mountain Apache Tribe of Whiteriver, Arizona, the Whiteriver Unified School District, and Apache Behavioral Health Services. Held on the historic Fort Apache Indian Reservation, this showcase brings together Native American VEX IQ teams from across North America for a unique experience that blends engineering excellence with cultural celebration.
A True Southwest Experience
The trip wasn’t just about competition—it was a full-fledged southwest adventure. Along the way, the Pryor Tigers:
Took in breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon,
Left their mark at the iconic Cadillac Ranch, and
Embraced cowboy country at the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo.
The surreal drive across the high plains, juxtaposed with the high-tech focus of the robotics competition, made for a memorable balance of nature, culture, and innovation.
Preparing for the Arena
Under the guidance of the Pryor High School Innovation Center robotics instructor David Isenbart, students spent weeks preparing their bots, fine-tuning code, testing mechanisms, and refining strategies. His leadership helped the teams enter the competition with confidence, skill, and an engineer’s mindset.
Competition Highlights
For this robotics rodeo, Pryor teams programmed and drove their robots through VEX IQ challenges, putting strategy, precision, and teamwork to the test.
High School Team 74361A — Vansh Chauhan, Elie Harrison, and Aydan McBay — secured an impressive 10th-place finish among the national field.
Their success didn’t end there. Team 74361A also earned a $500 program credit through a random drawing of all non-finalist teams, courtesy of Eaton. This generous award will help the program purchase new parts, tools, and materials for future builds—an incredible boost made possible through industry support.
Beyond Rankings: Skills That Last
Though only one team placed in the top ten, all three Pryor teams showcased remarkable engineering, programming, and collaboration skills. Competing on a national stage pushed students to adapt quickly, think critically, and work cohesively—skills that extend far beyond the robotics arena.
Proudly Representing Pryor
The Pryor Innovation Center congratulates all participating students for representing their community with excellence. Their determination, creativity, and teamwork reflect the Center’s mission to develop strong problem-solvers and innovators who persevere in the face of challenges.
This westward journey wasn’t just a competition—it was an experience that strengthened skills, broadened perspectives, and deepened the Tigers’ passion for robotics.
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