ROBOTICS

Growing people by building robots

Building skills. Building character.

More than robots
At Catholic Central, robotics brings students together to design, build, program, and compete. Along the way, they learn to collaborate, take initiative, work through setbacks, and turn ideas into action.
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High school program

SPIRES Robotics | FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) · Team 9106
Founded in 2022, SPIRES Robotics is a high school team of students, coaches, and adult mentors who work together to design, build, program, and compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition.Students take on real engineering challenges, learn from failure, and develop the skills to turn ideas into action.
Explore FRC

Our mission & values

Helpful. Resilient. Engaging. Effective.
Through robotics competition, SPIRES Robotics team members will grow to be more Helpful, Resilient, Engaging, and Effective (HERE) in school and beyond.

Helpfulness

We look for ways to support teammates and contribute to the team's success.

Resilience

We aren't afraid to fail. We learn quickly, try often, and use setbacks to improve.

Teamwork

We have each other's backs and work together to overcome challenges.

Initiative & Safety

We take action, solve problems, and keep safety first.

Our team is guided by FIRST's core values of coopertition and gracious professionalism.

The FRC Season

A typical season runs from January through April or May, from kickoff and robot build to district or regional competitions and championship events.
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Competition Experience

SPIRES aims to compete in at least two district or regional events each season. Students test their work, collaborate with other teams, and learn through competition.
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Middle school program

Corbels Robotics | FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
Corbels Robotics welcomes middle school students from across the Diocese of Grand Rapids to explore engineering, programming, teamwork, and problem-solving in a hands-on, competitive environment.

Corbels Gold · Team 31459

Founded 2025
A middle school FTC team learning through robot design, testing, collaboration, and competition.
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Corbels Blue · Team 37523

Founded 2026
A middle school FTC team building technical skills and confidence one challenge at a time.
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The FTC Season

The West Michigan FTC season typically runs from September through early December.
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League Meets & Tournament

Teams plan to attend three to four Saturday league meets with five matches per meet, followed by a judged end-of-season tournament. Confirm current season details before publishing.
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Growing together, from learners to leaders.

One of the strengths of Corbels Robotics is its close connection to SPIRES Robotics Team 9106. Middle school students use the same robotics lab, workspace, software, and equipment as the high school team.SPIRES students also mentor Corbels teammates, sharing their knowledge while developing their own leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. Students build technical skills and lasting relationships across grade levels.

There's a place for everyone.

Robotics is a year-round program, and students can explore opportunities to join at almost any time. You don't have to be an expert or attend every practice to get involved. We work with students to create a meaningful experience that fits their interests and availability.Whether you love building, programming, designing, problem-solving, organizing, communicating, or simply want to learn something new, there's a place for you on our team.
Contact our robotics team
ccrobotics@grcatholiccentral.org
‍‍julievandermolen@grcatholiccentral.org

Get involved

Our robotics program depends on generous sponsors and supporters throughout Greater Grand Rapids. Your support helps students gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and discover what's possible through creativity and teamwork.

Become a Sponsor

Partner with Catholic Central Robotics and help provide students with the tools and experiences they need to design, build, and compete.
Sponsorship opportunitiesmeet our sponsorsLearn More

Donate to Robotics

Your gift directly supports the Catholic Central robotics program and helps fund equipment, materials, and student experiences.
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