SIOUX FALLS, SD — The 2025–26 South Dakota FIRST LEGO League Challenge State Championship was held January 24 at Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls, bringing together youth, families, coaches, and volunteers from across the state for a day of innovation and teamwork.
Despite extreme temperatures and a delayed start, all 20 qualifying teams competed, and nearly 400 spectators filled the venue to cheer on the students and recognize months of hard work. The event marked the culminating competition of the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge season in South Dakota.
The championship was emceed by Jeremy Haugen and supported by dozens of dedicated volunteers whose efforts ensured a smooth and successful event. Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) served as the Program Delivery Organization for FIRST LEGO League Challenge in South Dakota.
Throughout the day, teams showcased autonomous robot performance, creative problem-solving, research-based innovation projects, and a strong commitment to FIRST Core Values.
Award Highlights
- Champion’s Award: H-BC Brick Wall 2.0 (Hills–Beaver Creek, MN) — recognized for excellence across Robot Game, Robot Design, Innovation Project, and Core Values.
- 2nd Place Champion’s Award: Legendary Squirrells (Sioux Falls, SD)
- Core Values Award: Tra la lego, tra la la (Sioux Falls, SD) — honored for outstanding demonstration of teamwork, inclusion, respect, and gracious professionalism.
- Innovation Project Award: Pickle Dragons H-BC (Hills–Beaver Creek, MN) — recognized for a well-researched, creative solution addressing a real-world problem connected to the season theme.
- Robot Design Award: Nacho Average Team (Flandreau, SD) — honored for strong robot strategy, efficient programming, durability, and mission performance understanding.
- Robot Game Award: Legendary Squirrells (Sioux Falls, SD) — awarded for the highest overall robot game performance and consistency across matches.
- Coach/Mentor of the Year: Isaac Harr (Rapid City, SD) — recognized through nominations from students, parents, fellow coaches, and judges for meaningful mentorship and commitment to FIRST Core Values.
- Rookie Rising Star Team: Tech Team (Aberdeen, SD) — honored as a first-year team showing strong potential through teamwork, growth, and rapid skill development.
As a result of the championship, South Dakota will advance one team to the FIRST World Festival scheduled for April 29–May 2, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Additional South Dakota teams will advance to three invitational events in California, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
“This season demonstrated the incredible creativity and dedication of South Dakota’s youth,” said Billie Jo Bakeberg, BHSSC Learning Specialist. “We’re proud to support a program that empowers students to think critically, work collaboratively, and see themselves as problem-solvers.”
The 2025–26 season marked a strong year for FIRST LEGO League Challenge in South Dakota, with BHSSC stepping into the role of Program Delivery Organization and supporting expanded opportunities for students statewide.
Those interested in getting involved in or supporting FIRST LEGO League in South Dakota are encouraged to contact Billie Jo Bakeberg, Program Delivery Partner, at 605-641-1222.
