Since its founding in 1999, Bellarmine’s Robotics team, Team 360: The Revolution, has built a regional and global reputation for sustainability, teamwork, and dedication to STEM. Last year concluded their quarter-century of competing in FIRST Robotics, and this year marked another milestone—competing at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas three years in a row.
Their 2026 season, titled REEFSCAPE—a water-themed robotics challenge—began in January. This was followed by a rigorous six-week Build Season to assemble and program a robot capable of completing game objectives, such as scoring PVC pipes (“Coral”) onto a rack (“Reef”) and shooting large dodgeballs (“Algae”).
The team’s competitive season began at the Glacier Peak District event on Mar. 1-2, where they earned the Team Sustainability Award for their ongoing efforts in developing financially and environmentally sustainable team practices. Later in the month, at the Auburn District event on Mar. 22-23, the team reached the final round and took home the Finalist Award, cementing their place as a top team in the Pacific Northwest region.
These strong performances qualified Team 360 for the Pacific Northwest Championship in Cheney, WA on Apr. 2-6, where they competed against 60 of the region’s top teams. After a weekend of high-level matches and strategic alliances, 360 emerged among the top 18 teams in the region, clinching a spot to compete at the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston.
On Apr. 15-20, Team 360 competed in one of eight divisions at the FIRST Championship, or “Worlds,” facing off against 70 other elite teams from around the globe. In the Newton Division, despite a tough match schedule and technical challenges between matches, the team persevered. Though the competition proved difficult, the experience was ultimately a rewarding one that added to the growing legacy of Team 360.
This year’s graduating seniors are the first in school history to qualify for Worlds three times in a row and to earn either a Winner or Finalist award at an event every season over their four years of high school—a testament to both their commitment to the team.
Three senior team members shared reflections on their journey with Team 360:
Charlie Kuluz, 360 leadership member and Drive Team technician, said, “While Worlds this year was a bit rougher than in the past, I believe it was a good way to cap off my time on the team and I will look back on it with joy.”
Yvonne Cruz, member of 360’s Design Subteam and Drive Team coach, reflected, “My favorite moment was the Playoff Match 1 upset from the 2024 PNW Champs. Robotics has taught me how to lead and work with people I didn’t know well.”
Jameson Cosgrove, 360 leadership member and competition Safety Captain, added, “Team 360 taught me how to think outside the box, develop technical skills, and work with others to reach a common goal.”
Team 360 concludes its 26th competing season, and looks forward to conducting off-season outreach, running student robotics summer camps, and recruiting new members for next year. Join the team and community in celebrating Year 26 at the Campus Center on Saturday Jun. 14.
