Mauldin-Based ROBOTZ Garage Secures Top Spot in FIRST South Carolina District

The local robotics powerhouse Team 4451, better known as ROBOTZ Garage, has solidified its reputation as a dominant force in the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season. Following a high-stakes performance at the North Charleston District Event held from March 5th to March 7th, the team currently sits at the number one rank in the FIRST South Carolina district.

ROBOTZ Garage, which draws students from Mauldin and the surrounding Fountain Inn and Laurens areas, competed in a field of nearly 30 teams. Their success in the Lowcountry has placed them in a prime position as the state moves toward the District Championship.

A Weekend of Precision and Power

The 2026 game, REBUILT™, challenged teams to design and build robots capable of high-speed maneuvers and complex manipulation tasks. Team 4451’s machine proved to be one of the most reliable on the field, leading them to a series of impressive match wins.

• Quality Award: In addition to their on-field success, Team 4451 was honored with the Quality Award, which recognizes a team that has built a robust robot capable of withstanding the rigors of competition through excellent design and craftsmanship.

• Alliance Leadership: ROBOTZ Garage served as the Captain of Alliance 2 during the playoff rounds, demonstrating the team’s strategic depth and ability to lead a multi-team coalition through the brackets.

• District Ranking: With 61 district points earned at this event alone, the team is currently tied for the highest rank in South Carolina, showcasing the consistent excellence that has become their hallmark since their rookie year in 2013.

How to Support the Team

As the season progresses, the community has several ways to support these young engineers and their mentors.

• Follow the Journey: Fans can track the team’s progress and view match highlights through the official FRC Event web portal or by following @frcteam4451 on social media.

• Local Workshops: The team frequently hosts community demonstrations and STEM camps at their garage facility, providing a “behind-the-scenes” look at how these complex machines are built.

• Sponsorship: As a non-profit educational initiative, the team relies on partnerships with local businesses to fund travel, materials, and entry fees for the FIRST Championship.

A Pipeline for the Future

The success of Team 4451 extends far beyond the trophies. By participating in FRC, students from Fountain Inn High and neighboring schools gain real-world experience in electrical engineering, computer programming, and mechanical design.

This year’s impact was further highlighted by the team’s leadership, with member Coleman A. being named a Semi-Finalist for the FIRST Leadership Award. This recognition underscores the team’s commitment to the core values of “Gracious Professionalism” and community service.

With their eyes now set on the upcoming state championship and a potential trip to the World Championship, the members of ROBOTZ Garage are proving that the Golden Strip is a premier hub for the next generation of technological innovators.