URGENT: Important Update on FTC Texas State Championship

Dear FIRST ® Tech Challenge teams and volunteers, 

After extensive review with FIRST in Texas staff, board, and FIRST HQ, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the decision to cancel the FIRST Tech Challenge UIL/State Championship, originally scheduled for March 20-22 in Belton, TX.  

While the State Championship will not take place this year, we are working diligently with UIL to secure a new date and venue for the UIL Championships. Additionally, advancements to the 2025 FIRST Championship in Houston, TX, April 16-19 will still take place. Advancements will be determined directly from each of the Area Championships and will be recognized as ‘Regional Championships’ on both the FIRST in Texas and FIRST websites. Rest assured; we have dedicated considerable time to determining the best approach for advancements to ensure equity. This method has been successfully used by other states to achieve similar goals. 

This was an extremely difficult decision, but we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this change. FIRST in Texas is committed to ensuring that every event we host meets the highest standards of organization and excellence that you all deserve. Despite our best efforts, a late start in our planning process and challenges in securing enough experienced volunteers prevented us from organizing the event to the highest standard you all deserve. We take full responsibility for this and appreciate your understanding and support. Going forward the advancement model in Texas is being evaluated through a partnership between FIRST in Texas and FIRST HQ. More details will be shared early next season. 

While we understand that this disappointing news is difficult to process, please know that we share in your frustration. FIRST in Texas is confident that the future holds even greater opportunities for our community, and we look forward to making it a reality, together. Exciting opportunities ahead include an Invitational Off-Season Event to give teams a chance to participate, Dean’s List Dinner to celebrate our finalists and spotlight volunteers, FIRST Premier Events, Buc Days, and, of course, our beloved UIL event. 

To our volunteers, we are deeply grateful for everything you do for this program. Your dedication and hard work make these events possible, and we sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Traci Woeppel, FIRST Tech Challenge Operations Manager or Eric van Gemeren, Chairman and Interim Executive Director.  

Thank you for being a part of FIRST in Texas. We appreciate each of you, you have all worked so hard and it does not go unnoticed. We look forward to seeing you at future events. 

Thank you, 

FIRST in Texas 

FIRST Headquarters  

San Jacinto College