Arcata High's Cyber Tigers Compete in Roseville FIRST Tech Challenge

A six-person squad from Arcata High School traveled to Roseville on Jan. 31, 2026, to put their own designed and built robot to the test in a regional FIRST Tech Challenge. The Cyber Tigers entered their first competition against teams with far more experience and outside backing, relying on alliances with other schools and on-the-spot problem solving to stay competitive.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an engineering-focused robotics competition for students in grades 7–12; teams design, build and program their own robots, then compete in fast-paced matches lasting two and a half minutes. Scoring is based on precision, strategy, alliance coordination and performance under pressure. The North Coast Journal / My Humboldt Life described FIRST Robotics competitions as “Division 1 sport for the mind” and noted these events “provide students an opportunity to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively under real-world constraints.”

John Scoffield, a volunteer and mentor for the Cyber Tigers, praised the students’ effort. “I’m very proud of them, they put themselves out there with very little experience into a vulnerable situation. They designed a robot, and the competition was very fast paced where first time problem solving was pushed to the max .” The North Coast Journal / My Humboldt Life reported that for the Cyber Tigers’ first competition, alliances with other schools “were critical.”

The regional field included veteran programs; the North Coast Journal / My Humboldt Life observed, “While the first and second place teams with 13 years experience and/or had Apple and Microsoft sponsors, we believe our creative community can help support ours.” That contrast underscores the resource gap between established teams and Humboldt’s nascent program, where grassroots fundraising and volunteer mentors make a tangible difference.

Locally, Arcata High’s debut has immediate implications for workforce development and youth opportunity in Humboldt County. FTC’s mix of mechanical design, programming and team strategy helps students develop skills employers seek in engineering, manufacturing and tech-support roles. The competition also offers an accessible pathway for students who may not follow traditional college-prep tracks but show aptitude for applied STEM work.

Community organizers and school volunteers are already talking about sustaining and expanding the program. The North Coast Journal / My Humboldt Life encouraged locals to pitch in: “Keep your eyes out for fundraisers as this scrappy team hosts grassroots events to keep the program open and accessible to all,” and to consider mentoring: “Have experience building and engineering? You could be a great mentor to a team.” A published photo bore the caption “Arcata High School’s Cyber Tigers’ competition robot. Credit: Sumbitted.”

For Humboldt readers, the Cyber Tigers’ trip to Roseville signals both a promising start and a practical call to action: supporting robotics through donations, volunteer time, or mentorship can convert this first outing into a sustainable program that builds technical skills and local opportunity.