FRC OC Regionals and Ventura Regionals: A Robotics Season of Triumph and Dedication

The Santa Margarita Catholic High School Robotics team, SMBly Required 5805, dominated the 2025 FIRST Robotics Ventura County Regional Competition held in Ventura, CA, with their unstoppable robot, Scavenger 1. The team forged a mighty alliance, conquering the wild Reefscape challenges in a heart-pounding showdown to claim first place. The win came fresh off competing the previous week at The Orange County Regional Competition where the JV team achieved historic success. 

About the First Robotics Competition: Starting with a kit of parts, teams of high school students design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game.They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition^®. In 360-degree learning guided by adult mentors, each FIRST Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community.

The Orange County Regionals and Ventura Regionals are among the most intense and prestigious competitions in the world of high school robotics. This year, SM Robotics took on the challenge, bringing their best innovations, skills and determination to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) - a battleground where elite teams showcase cutting-edge robots in the race for a coveted spot at the World Championship in Houston, Texas.

Each regional competition is a grueling three-day showdown featuring a practice day, qualification matches and final alliance matches, where only the top 24 teams earn a chance to compete for glory. 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) Robotics proudly fields two powerhouse teams:

• Varsity - Team 5805, SMbly Required
• JV - Team 3020, SMbly

Both teams displayed incredible skill, determination, and teamwork, battling their way to the final alliance phase. At OC Regionals, the Varsity team secured seventh place, while JV stunned the competition by finishing in an unprecedented third place - a historic milestone for the team!

A Victory for the Ages at Ventura Regionals

Just one week later, the varsity team achieved the ultimate triumph at Ventura Regionals, claiming first place in a landmark victory.

After a series of grueling qualification matches, Team 5805, SMbly Required, was selected to join the first seeded alliance, teaming up with elite squads from Ventura and the Netherlands. Together, they dominated the playoff bracket, securing the best season SM robotics has seen in the last seven years!

Reflecting on the achievement, Varsity Coach Teddy Bullockus shared:

“When working on a robot for over two months, it can be hard to finish. Many teams get 90% of the way there but fall short of that last 10% - never realizing their robot’s full potential. This year, our senior members stepped up in those difficult moments, delivering a complete, high-performing robot that conquered the Ventura County Regional. Despite a tough qualification schedule, they persevered, joined the top-seeded alliance, and won the entire event. It’s a massive accomplishment for these future engineers - the road ahead has never looked brighter!”

SM Robotics: A Rising Force

Facing off against 50 other elite teams, both varsity and JV proved their grit, precision and relentless drive. The JV team’s remarkable third-place finish at OC Regionals marked a historic breakthrough, demonstrating the program’s strength at every level.

JV Team Captain Thomas Yu '27 expressed his pride:

“The success of our robot, ‘Scavenger,’ is a testament to our relentless spirit and innovative mindset. Earning third place at OC Regionals proves that every challenge makes us stronger and more determined. I’m incredibly proud of our team - this achievement belongs to all of us: students, mentors, families, and supporters. Let’s keep pushing the limits of what we can achieve together!”

Behind the Scenes: Hard Work, Dedication and an Unbreakable Spirit

These victories didn’t come easy. Months of rigorous preparation, late nights, and relentless problem-solving were behind every match-winning moment. At the heart of this success is a dedicated group of students, committed mentors, generous sponsors and loving parents all working together to make the dream a reality.

Varsity Captain Nico Balanay '25 shared heartfelt gratitude:

“A special thanks to our lead mentor, Mr. Alexander Klatt, and our brilliant Varsity Coach, Teddy Bullockus, along with our two dedicated mentors. Their expertise and unwavering support have transformed our team into what it is today.”

SM Robotics also extends deep appreciation to our sponsors - Santa Margarita Catholic High School, fabworks. and Truffels Clothing - whose support allows us to compete at the highest level.

Summing up the season Robotics Team Mentor and IB Design Technology Teacher Alexander Klatt expressed his pride in the team:

“I’m beyond proud of every single member of our robotics team. Their commitment to the big picture, their patience in crafting every small detail and their passion for winning are simply remarkable. As I always scream on the field - LET’S FLY HIGH, EAGLES!”

More Than Just Winning 

This season wasn’t just about trophies - it was about growth, resilience, and proving that SM Robotics is a force to be reckoned with. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this journey possible!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

If you are interested in supporting or learning more about SM Robotics - whether as mentors, sponsors, or parents, please contact Alexander Klatt.