New Tech Robotics Heads to Fourth State Tournament

For the community of Evansville, Indiana, the upcoming trip to Indianapolis is about far more than just a trophy or a ranking. As the Modern Tech Robotics team prepares to compete in the state tournament this Saturday, April 18, the stakes have shifted from mere technical precision to a profound testament of human resilience. This isn’t just another competition. We see the culmination of a season defined by unimaginable loss and an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward. For the students of New Tech Institute High School, the journey to the state tournament for the fourth consecutive year is a victory of the spirit as much as it is a victory of engineering.

The road to this weekend’s competition has been paved with hardship that would have dismantled many teams. In February, the group was struck by a double tragedy that shook the very foundation of their organization. First, the team lost freshman member Jeramya Craig, who passed away in a house fire within Evansville. The grief from that loss had barely begun to settle when, only five days later, the team suffered another devastating blow with the sudden passing of their coach, Adam Head. To lose both a peer and a mentor in such a short window is a burden few teenagers are equipped to handle, yet this group found a way to lean into one another during their darkest hours.

The Engineering of Resilience: Meet “Perseverance”

In the world of competitive robotics, the technical challenge is often the primary focus. This year, the team began their development cycle in January, working under a game theme centered on archaeology. The objective was clear: build a machine capable of transporting and shooting fuel across a competition field. While the technical specifications were demanding, the emotional specifications became the true driver of the project. The resulting robot was not just a piece of machinery; it was christened “Perseverance.”

The naming of the robot serves as a permanent marker of the adversity the team faced. In the context of the New Tech Institute High School’s STEM and project-based learning framework, the “Perseverance” robot represents the practical application of engineering under pressure. By continuing to iterate and refine their design despite the void left by Jeramya Craig and Coach Adam Head, the students transformed their grief into a tangible object of determination. This approach to technical education and development ensures that students aren’t just learning how to code or build—they are learning how to navigate the complexities of real-world crisis management.

Leadership Under Pressure in Evansville

At the center of this recovery effort has been Eean Sarikie, a sophomore who serves as the CEO of the team. Sarikie’s perspective on the team’s journey highlights a critical psychological shift: the idea that tragedy, while devastating, can act as a catalyst for unity. According to Sarikie, the tragic incidents within the team caused the members to come together, ultimately making them stronger as a collective unit. This leadership transition is a hallmark of the project-based learning model, where students are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and the emotional well-being of their peers.

The support system extending beyond the school walls has likewise been pivotal. The team has reported tremendous support not only from the Evansville community but from other robotics teams across the state of Indiana. This cross-team solidarity underscores a broader culture of sportsmanship and empathy within the state’s STEM community, proving that the bonds formed through shared technical passions can transcend the boundaries of competition.

Integrating STEM and Emotional Intelligence

The success of the ThunderBots Robotics Team 7657 is a case study in the effectiveness of integrated learning. By embedding robotics within a larger STEM framework, New Tech Institute High School allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on challenges. However, the events of 2026 have added a layer of emotional intelligence to this curriculum. The ability to maintain focus on a goal—reaching the state tournament in Indianapolis—while processing grief is a skill that cannot be taught in a textbook, but it is one that these students have mastered.

As they head to Indianapolis for the fourth time in as many years, the team carries with them the legacy of those they lost. The “Perseverance” robot is more than a tool for shooting fuel; it is a moving memorial to a freshman’s potential and a coach’s guidance. For the residents of Evansville, the team’s progress serves as a reminder that the strongest structures are often those that have been tested by the most intense pressures.

Navigating Support Systems in Evansville

Given my background in analyzing community infrastructure and professional networks, when a local group faces this level of trauma while pursuing high-level academic goals, specific types of professional support are essential. If you or your organization in the Evansville area are navigating similar challenges—balancing intense technical goals with emotional recovery—there are three types of local professionals Consider prioritize.

Specialized Youth Grief and Trauma Counselors

When dealing with the loss of peers or mentors, gaze for counselors who specialize in adolescent bereavement. The criteria for hiring should include experience with “group processing” and a proven track record of working with students in high-pressure academic environments to ensure that grief does not lead to burnout or academic decline. You can identify more about these services in our community support directory.

STEM Program Mentors and Technical Consultants

For teams transitioning after the loss of a lead coach, it is vital to find mentors who can provide technical continuity without overstepping the team’s autonomy. Look for professionals with experience in project-based learning (PBL) and a history of guiding high school robotics teams through state-level competitions. The ideal mentor should be able to bridge the gap between technical requirements and student leadership.

Community Outreach and Resource Coordinators

To sustain the “tremendous support” mentioned by Eean Sarikie, organizations need coordinators who can manage community donations, emotional support networks, and logistical needs. Seek out professionals who have experience interfacing between educational institutions and local business leaders to ensure that the team has the financial and emotional resources needed to compete at the state level.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated professional services experts in the Evansville area today.