HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Nearly 50 high school robotics teams converged on the Utah State Fairgrounds Jan. 30-31 for the Rumble in the Rockies, an annual two‑day robotics competition that highlighted the creativity and technical skill of students from across the region.
Teams of students in grades 9–12 spent months designing, building, and programming robots capable of competing in this year’s game-based engineering challenge. The event is part of the global VEX V5 Robotics Competition program, which encourages students to apply real-world engineering principles in a competitive, fast‑paced environment.
“This competition is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of these students,” said Jeff Neeley, STEM Outreach Program Manager at Hill Air Force Base, who served as a judge for the event. “You can see the countless hours they’ve invested the moment you open their engineering notebooks or watch them troubleshoot under pressure.”
Hill Air Force Base, a longtime supporter of STEM education initiatives, served as a sponsor for this year’s tournament. Neeley said the experience offered a firsthand look at the next generation of engineers and innovators.
“It was inspiring to speak with the teams and see how thoughtfully they documented their entire design process,” he said. “Their notebooks provided a window into their journey of innovation and learning.”
The event was organized in partnership with Kaysville Robotics, a group recognized for its leadership in managing large-scale robotics competitions throughout Utah. Neeley said the collaboration reflects the Department of the Air Force’s broader commitment to STEM outreach.
“Our partnership with Kaysville Robotics is a perfect example of how we can multiply our impact,” he said. “By working together, we’re helping create opportunities that spark curiosity and build confidence in young people.”
In recognition of Hill Air Force Base’s support, one of the competition’s game fields was named in the base’s honor, an acknowledgment of its ongoing role in promoting STEM education.
While trophies and rankings were part of the excitement, Neeley said the heart of the event goes far beyond competition.
“The Rumble in the Rockies is more than just a robotics tournament,” he said. “It’s a celebration of STEM and a glimpse into a future powered by bright, creative, and determined young individuals who will go on to achieve great things.”