Our Mission Statement
"Team 5268 wants to inspire students to excel in the fields of science and technology by exposing them to a culture in which innovation is celebrated and to empower them with qualities necessary to be successful in the future. Our goal is not only to be the best but to become a family."
Our Story
Team 5268 was formed as a way to give students an opportunity to utilize skills and abilities pertaining to STEM fields. We started as a small team and have grown to a size larger than ever before. FIRST Robotics gives students a chance to develop communication and problem solving skills, qualities that are essential for the work environment. Consequentially, every student on our team has become more prepared for their future, irregardless of their career or major. Looking towards the future, we hope to continue growing our team so that we can make a positive impact in the lives of more students.
Key Staff
Jason Smith
Founder & Coach
Mr. Smith is the Engineering and Architecture / CAD teacher at Olathe South. He is in his 14th year of FRC involvement and refers to Build Season as "Crazy Season". Though team has evolved over the years, Mr. Smith marvels at how Robotics is still about the basics… Hard work, Determination, Willingness and this K.I.S.S. philosophy!
Dennis Burkett
Coach
Mr. Burkett is a Chemistry teacher at Olathe South teaching general and AP Chem. In addition to helping start the team, Mr. Burkett has a keen eye for catching details and keeping us from making dumb mistakes. Mr. Burkett's collection of Star Wars Lego Sets is truly amazing, and grace the shelving of his classroom. Ask him which is his favorite!
Andrew Nachbar
Programming Team Mentor
Andrew has served as a mentor for the Programming Team for the Past Six Years. Andrew's keen sense of humor is a big plus when things get tense. Originally from Upstate-New York, Andrew laughs at we in Kansas call "Snow"
Furhad Jidda
Programming Team Mentor
Nuber
Build Team Mentor
John Nuber has been the build team mentor for six years. His son Jaden was one of the founding members of the team as a freshman. In addition to build team mentor, Nuber is our Master Tinkerer, often building models to test in his garage at home
Jaden Nuber
Electrical Team Menetor
Jaden was one of our original members as a freshman. Jaden has severed as a mentor since he graduated in 2017. Jaden is working towards a degree in electrical after getting a taste as a team member himself!
Steve Foster
Electrical Team Mentor
Dr. Foster, or Steve as we know him has been the electrical team mentor since our very first year. In addition to being a wizard with all things electrical, Steve is our master of ALL THINGS requiring a FORMULA!
Michele Park
Business Team Mentor
Adam Rospach
Design Team Mentor
Aaron Vogel
Design Team Mentor
Adam Goellner
Design Team Mentor
Dale May
Electrical Team Mentor
Ash McReynolds
Business Team Mentor
Carter Stolberg
Build / Drive Team Mentor
Mr. Stolberg is not only a mentor to Team 5268, but he's also a FIRST Alum! Mr. Stolberg teaches at Bonner Springs High School, but did his student teaching with Mr. Smith at OS. Mr. Stolberg was on the Team 2335 at SME "Sargon" when Mr. Smith had him as a student. What can we learn from all of this? Stolberg is a FIRST Vet, and Coach Smith is old...VERY,VERY OLD!