Student impact
Students gain real experience in engineering, manufacturing, programming, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Melrose, Minnesota
Tools, Talent and Tech
Melrose Gear Grinders is Melrose’s FIRST Robotics Competition team. We give students hands-on experience in design, programming, electrical systems, strategy, and teamwork by building and competing with a full robot each season.
2026
Rookie FRC season
11283
Official FRC team number
GNR
Great Northern Regional
FIRST
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
About the team
FIRST Robotics is bigger than just building a robot.
Students learn how to solve real problems under pressure. They work on design, fabrication, coding, troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork while representing their school and community in competition.
- Mechanical: CAD, prototyping, assembly, repair, and iteration.
- Programming: sensors, control systems, testing, and automation.
- Electrical: wiring, troubleshooting, safety, and reliability.
- Strategy: match planning, scouting, and working with alliance partners.
- Leadership: communication, outreach, responsibility, and professionalism.
2026 season
Our first year started on the field.
As a brand-new team, we jumped into the 2026 FRC season and competed at the Great Northern Regional in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This was our first chance to build, compete, learn, and grow together as a team.
FIRST Championship Invitation
Team 11283 has been invited to the 2026 FIRST Championship in Houston. We are currently awaiting final school board approval and hope to earn the opportunity to represent Melrose on the world stage.
Rookie season
We launched a new FRC program and worked through the fast learning curve that comes with designing, building, and competing in our first season.
Regional experience
Great Northern gave students experience with match play, pit work, robot repairs, team communication, and the pace of real competition.
Next steps
With strong performance this season, our team may have the opportunity to advance to the Minnesota State Championship and the FIRST Championship. Support now helps ensure that if students earn those opportunities, cost and logistics do not prevent them from participating.
Photos
Great Northern Regional
Moments from our first regional — competition, teamwork, technical problem-solving, and recognition at the Great Northern Regional.
Team and robot in the pit
Our first regional in Grand Forks.
Sponsors
Why support Team 11283?
Support for the team helps students gain hands-on technical experience while building a lasting robotics program for Melrose.
Program growth
Support helps cover parts, tools, registration, travel, training, and the resources needed to turn a rookie team into a stable program.
Community value
A strong robotics team reflects well on the school and community while helping prepare students for technical careers and leadership roles.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The following sponsors have helped our rookie season get off the ground. Their support is helping students build skills, compete, and grow this program.
NASA
ARGOSY FOUNDATION
GENE HAAS FOUNDATION
SUBSEA CIRCUITS, INC.
FARM TECH-N-FUN
LITTLE SAUK LEGION
BLACK OAK GETTY FOUNDATION
CAP ENTERPRISES
FRC TEAM 3313 - MECHATRONICS
THE LEE FAMILY
Interested in supporting Team 11283?
We are building a student-centered robotics program in Melrose. Contact us to learn how your company, organization, or family can help.