The “It Could Work” team consists of Molly Nelson (11), Blaine Sousa (10) and Aaron Zeferino Sanchez (10). The “Controlled Destruction” team consists of Brittyn Becker (9), Kyra Sigman (9), Travis Ness (8), Luis Abrego (8) and Devin Oleson (8). Both teams are going to state this year. The robotics teams have competed in six tournaments and have been finalists in two. They won a United South Central VEX Robotics MS/HS Think Award. The teams state competition was March 5-6, 2026 at St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center.
”I think we’ll do pretty good,” said Molly Nelson, who has been in robotics since middle school and will be going to state for the third time. “A lot of good teams will be there.”
Esports is on the rise as four Tigerz Gaming teams have advanced to the state tournament. The tournament is March 13-15 at St. Cloud State University. The teams participating are the “Fortnite” team of Teaghen Tolbers (12) and Kameron Behncke (12). The “Rocket League” team is Landon Lenz (12), Adler Larson (8) and Emmit Xayaosa (11). The “Mario Kart” team of Charlie Murphy (9) and Avery Raatz (8). “Marvel Rivals” team is Kendal Clarey (10), Ethan Gordon (10), Amorix Carlson (10), Lynden Matthies (10), Jace Lair (10) and Jack Zoller (10).
“I think we won three games throughout my two seasons [of “League of Legends”],” said Captain Kendal Clarey of her past experience. “And so from going to winning maybe a game a season to winning almost all of them, and then now we’re going to state, I was ecstatic.”
The team also got to send three people to represent our school in Esports All-Star Week, this included Kameron Behncke (12) for “Fortnite”, Amorix Carlson (10) for “Marvel Rivals” and Landon Lenz (12) for “Rocket League”.
While technology is important, understanding how it works is just as important. This was the lesson learned in the 2025-26 Minnesota Mock Trial case about The SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The team is made up of Kuol Dual (11), Thomas Hanson (9), Kylie Lee (12), Allondra De Rosas Lazaro (11), Anja Bolinger (10), Nina Zhang (12), Bu Gay (10) and Jonathan Streckert (12).
For the first time since 2011, Albert Lea Mock Trial punched their ticket to the state tournament. The 2011 team included Carissa Blizzard. Now, 15 years later she coaches the team to the state tournament. This year the tournament was on March 5-6, at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building and United States Courthouse in downtown St. Paul. The team competed against 15 other teams across the state.
“Mock Trial has been a huge part of my high school experience and helped me learn important skills along the way,” said Kylie Lee. “I’m grateful to have such a skilled and supportive team.”
The 2026 state wrestling individual tournament was held at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, on February 26-28. This season went well for the six wrestlers, especially for Dylan Grosse (11) and Ryan Collins (11) who got their 100th career wins. The other four athletes include Devon Groess (11), Malakai Olson (11), Trent Ignaszewski (10) and Brecken Wacholz (11)
“It’s really fun being in the arena and seeing all the lights, all the people, it’s a big experience,” said Captain Wachloz. Wachloz first joined the team in eighth grade and this will be his third year competing in the state tournament. “But you just got to remember what you’re there for and have your eyes on the prize”.
(Htoo Nay Moo)
This year is the 97th FFA state convention and the theme is “Believe”. The state competition will be on April 20-21 and will be on the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campuses and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
“When a lot of people think about FFA they think of Farmers but in all reality it is for every man and woman that wants to grow in their abilities and skills of leadership and teamwork and grow as a person,” said Andy DeBeau.
FFA is sending four teams to compete. Agriculture Mechanics includes Konner Wolff (10), Jake Dahl (10), Connor White (11), Theo Bowman (12) and Will Doppelhammer (12). Anderson Debeau (12) will compete in Agronomy. The Fish and Wildlife team is McKinsey Wagner (9), Sadie Nappin (10), Haylee Charley
(12), Brodie Rassler (12) and Gaby Tufte (12). The Farm Business team is Brielle Bakken (12), Danica Pestorious (12), Bridget Pestorious (11) and Bailey Thorson.
