The Sacramento School of Engineering & Science (SSES) Phenoms are Houston‑bound after an outstanding performance in the next level competition at the FIRST Robotics Amarillo District Championship held April 2–3, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas.
Competing in only their first year, the Phenoms earned multiple top honors, including:
Rookie All‑Star Award
First Place District Finalist Alliance
#1 Ranked New Mexico Team
22nd Overall Ranking in Texas
Haas Award – $3,000 Grant
Their success continued during the Alliance draft process, where top‑seeded teams draft partners for the final rounds. The Phenoms were selected by the #1‑ranked team in Texas, Max Throttle Mavericks, and joined by Mercenary Robotics to form a powerhouse three‑team alliance. Together, they secured a commanding championship victory with a final match score of 508–147.
Just like professional sports drafts, teams extend offers and competitors choose whether to accept. When the Mavericks offered their draft pick to the Phenoms, two SSES team members, “Hime” and “Diamond” proudly stepped onto the stage to accept. The Alliance then advanced to the championship rounds, where three individual teams operate as one coordinated unit against another three‑team alliance.
SSES Robotics Coach Mr. Kerry Miyoshi praised the team’s dedication, saying the achievement was “a result of hard work and team effort.” He added that the students, parents, staff, and the entire Sacramento School of Engineering & Science community are proud of the team’s accomplishments.
While the awards are significant, SSES emphasizes that the true value lies in the journey. Through design, engineering, building, teamwork, and fundraising, students gain essential life skills—perseverance, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and gracious professionalism. These lessons endure long after trophies fade.
The Phenoms are honored to represent the Alamogordo and Tularosa communities and are grateful for the continued support that has fueled their success.
With the Houston State Championship ahead, the team now turns its focus to fundraising efforts to support travel and competition expenses.
The Phenoms are ready for Houston—and ready to make New Mexico proud.