Sachem's Team 263 Aftershock delivered an impressive rebuilt season in 2026, earning awards, regional championships and a trip to the FIRST World Championships against some of the top robotics teams in the world.

The team opened the season at the FIRST Long Island Regional at Hofstra University, where Aftershock earned the prestigious Innovation in Control Award and the Safety Award while also advancing to the playoff rounds.

Aftershock continued its momentum at the New York Tech Valley Regional in Albany, where the team captured a regional championship alongside Alliance Captain Team 1796 RoboTigers and Team R.I.C.E. 870. The team also earned the Safety Award once again, highlighting its commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

The successful season culminated at the FIRST World Championships in Houston, Texas, where the top 600 robots in the world qualified to compete. Team 263 battled through elite international competition and finished with a strong 5-5 record in the Milstein Division.

One of the biggest highlights came when “Sandy,” the team’s robot, set a personal record by scoring 190 fuel in a single two-minute match.

The 2026 season showcased the hard work, creativity and determination of the students, mentors and supporters behind Team 263 Aftershock, continuing the program’s proud tradition of innovation and competitive success.