Members of the Wheeling Park High School robotics team Iron Patriots:Xray standing after being awarded the “Energy Award” for their division at the Vex Robotics World Championship in Dallas on Thursday. Pictured from left are Christopher Alkhouri, Wyatt Wheeler, Alex Zhao, Owen King, Levi Henry and Coach Luke Shepherd. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — No local high school teams advanced past the elimination rounds at the Vex Robotics World Championship in Dallas on Thursday, but one is bringing home a trophy.

Iron Patriots: X-Ray from Wheeling Park High School was awarded the “Energy Award” over 82 other teams in their division. The honor recognizes the team displaying “the most energy and excitement” during competition.

The tournament consists of about 830 teams, which are divided into 10 divisions of 83. Iron Patriots: X-Ray competed in the “Innovate” division.

“The Wheeling Park teams had a tremendous week at the VEX World Championships,” said WPHS robotics coach Luke Shepherd. “It is a fantastic opportunity for these students to learn from the best teams in the world.

“I am incredibly proud of their terrific season and their performance at Worlds. I would like to thank our parents, sponsors, and OCS for their continued support of our program.”

Learning to excel on a world stage is all about the work that goes into the entire year of robotics, according to JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools.

“When we first started, the robotics season ran from November to May. Now these students begin dissecting the rules and the elements of the new game on the last night of the Worlds event after the game reveal,” she said. “They spend the entire year watching videos of other teams from across the world to see what ideas they have. They network with other students to learn and to foster potential alliances across the next year, making new friends along the way.

“When they qualify for Worlds, they compete against the toughest competition they will see over a fast-paced period of three days. Their dedication to honing their skills, to constantly learning and growing is always amazing to watch. We are so very proud of how much they have grown, and we are excited to see them acquiring all of these skills that will be so important to success in their lives.”

She added robotics coaches and supporters are thankful “to have the support of a school system that values this part of education and creates the space for this program.”

Results for teams from WPHS completing competition on Thursday are as follows:

– In addition to their award, Iron Patriots: X-Ray finished with a ranking of 30 among 83 teams in the “Innovate” division. Team members are Wyatt Wheeler, Levi Henry, Alex Zhao, Christopher Alkhouri and Owen King.

– Iron Patriots: Yikes achieved a ranking of 61 among 83 teams in the “Spirit” division. Those on the team are Josh Yess, Maya White, Hayden Uhrig, James Maclay and Isaac Garrison.

– Iron Patriots: Platypus finished 82nd among 83 teams in the “Research” division. Competing on the team were Aiden Milton, Wyatt Rich, Carson Rich and Evan Greenidge.

The team from John Marshall High School, George Drinks Water, had a ranking of 56 in the “Math” division. The team is composed of members Knox Wilson, Lilly Bergen and Sophie Cunningham.

Now competition begins today for local middle school teams that qualified for the robotics world championships, with the champion being crowned on Saturday.

There are three Marshall County middle school teams participating – The Return Of Self Destruct from Moundsville Middle School, and Killer Frequency and Li’l George from Sherrard Middle School.

They are joined by Ohio County teams Robo-Raiders from Triadelphia Middle School, and Steel Vikings from Warwood Middle School.