Posted Date: 04/28/2025
John B. Alexander High School is bursting with pride as we celebrate our Varsity Robotics Team, the Hotdawgs, for making history at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship—the Super Bowl of robotics! As the first team from our school and United Independent School District to compete at this global event, the Hotdawgs have shown what’s possible through dedication, teamwork, and a passion for STEM, inspiring every student at Alexander to chase their dreams.
From April 15 to April 19, 2025, our Hotdawgs faced off against the top 5% of FTC teams worldwide, bringing home the Think Award, 2nd Place, for their outstanding problem-solving and engineering creativity. While this award may seem small, its significance shines when you consider the elite competition they faced. The team also excelled in qualification matches, finishing ranked 15th with a stellar 7-3 record. You can relive their matches here: https://a.mcr.club/clips/12313
Competing at Worlds has long been the ultimate goal for FTC teams—a dream once unimaginable for Alexander students. The Hotdawgs, who earlier earned the Inspire Award as South Texas’ #1 team, proved they could not only compete with the best but also bring home recognition. Their success, driven by a strong Engineering Portfolio, dynamic presentations, and commitment to FIRST’s core values, is a testament to the talent and spirit within our school.
As the Hotdawgs gear up for the Texas State Championship on May 10, 2025, they carry the pride of Alexander with them. Their achievement motivates all our students, from robotics to band to athletics, to strive for excellence in their own pursuits. We’re confident this is just the beginning for our robotics program and our school’s legacy of innovation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our coaches, families, sponsors, and the entire Alexander community for supporting the Hotdawgs. Special thanks to our robotics sponsor, Juan Medina, whose leadership has guided the team to this historic milestone. Together, we’re putting Alexander High School and Laredo on the map!
Go Hotdawgs, and go Bulldogs!