Noble Local Schools Robotics Teams Qualify for World Championships

SARAHSVILLE, OH – Noble Local Schools will be represented at the 2026 VEX World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, thanks to the success of its Shenandoah Zeps Robotics program. The qualification follows strong performances at the Ohio VEX V5RC State Championship earlier this month.

Teams Heading to Worlds

Team 43779Z, comprised of high school students Bryce Jacobs, Ryland Wehr, Ethan Stritz, and Jaiden Dean, secured their spot at the World Championships with a skills challenge score of 152, ranking them twelfth in Ohio. Middle school team 43779X, consisting of Preston Conaway, Lane Hill, Xzavyer Beldean, and Kaylin Hupp, also qualified, achieving a skills score of 60.

Other Notable Performances

While not qualifying for the World Championships, several other Shenandoah Zeps Robotics teams demonstrated impressive skill and dedication. All-freshman team 43779P, featuring Landyn Wehr, Gabe Neff, Brant Stottsberry, and Luke Thompson, posted an 8-0 record and reached the divisional semifinals at the state championship.

Coach Jon Jordan also recognized the efforts of team 43779E (Roman McGee, Teigon Dodd, Dakota Harding, and Rylan Leasure) and team 43779S (Rocco McGee, Colton Tisher, and Jaylin Winegardner) for their perseverance throughout the competitions.

“For almost all these students, it was their first time competing at the HS state championships,” said Jordan. “There are a lot of lessons learned and students are already talking about how to improve. That’s the type of students we have.”

Community Support Needed

The Zeps Robotics program is seeking financial support from local businesses and community members to cover the costs associated with registration, travel, lodging, and equipment transport to the World Championships.

Noble Local School District is located at 20977 Zep Rd. East, Sarahsville, OH 43779. Contact them at 740-732-2084.