The De La Salle Collegiate Robotics team, the AutoPilots, finished its season this past weekend, March 27-29, 2026, and were eliminated from continued competition at the state level.

Faculty member Mr. Rob Black, the AutoPilots’ moderator, said, “The robot just could not function as intended in spite of determined and monumental efforts of the pit crew and drive team. We finished 3-9 in qualification matches, and were picked to be part of the 8th ranked alliance. We were eliminated from the playoffs with a 0-2 record.”

Black noted that the team did win the Spirit Award, which “celebrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit through exceptional partnership and teamwork furthering the objectives of FIRST."  

Black said, “Our team out cheered teams three times their size, and despite the results of our matches, continued to stay positive and support each other. True brotherhood was on display, and the event judges acknowledged it with this award.”

Black added, “I am proud of how the team worked tirelessly to design, build, and program our robot. Some students and mentors spent 20 - 30 hours a week in the build site, on top of school and work, trying to make the robot perfect. It is disappointing that we fell short of making it to states, but we will evaluate our practices and come back stronger next year.” 

One of the team’s volunteer mentors, Mr. Ed Johnstone, was recognized as a Woodie Flowers Award Nominee, the highest award a mentor can receive. Johnstone is the father of alumnus Ethan Johnstone, ‘23, who was a member of the DLS Robotics team. 

“Ed deserves this award for the time and effort he puts in and works with the boys to make them better,” Black said. 

The students on the team decide who to nominate, choosing a mentor “who has done an outstanding job of motivation through communication while also challenging the students to be clear and succinct in their communications. As such, it is very important that this be a student-led effort and a student decision.” 

 Ed will represent the team and himself at the State competition, at Saginaw Valley State University, April 16 - 18, 2026.