Craft Academy Charges into Robot Gladiator League
In an electrifying debut, the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University took first place in the Vulcan Legion during Season II of the Robot Gladiator League (RGL).
The academy entered the competition for the first time this year. Quickly rising to the top of the Vulcan Legion bracket. Their outstanding performance earned them the highest honor in their division at the RGL State Championship, held April 17 at Lexington’s Central Bank Center.
“It is truly impressive, given that this was the first year that Craft participated in RGL,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, executive director of the Space Science Center. “To make it all the way to the championship games is a tremendous accomplishment. This provides incredible visibility for Craft and for Morehead State. We see the event as an excellent recruitment event and will exhibit and be there in force to support you and the Craft team.” 
The Craft students involved were Daisy Bently (Garrison), Jai Cameron (Bowling Green), Jacob Cooper (Richmond), Spencer Cornett (Benham), Maddie Haynes (Avawam), Skylar Hu (Pikeville), Leah Johnson (Georgetown), Apaar Kabra (Stanford), Ellis Kidwell (Vanceburg), Jacob Layne (Catlettsburg), Marshall Oliver (Lawrenceburg), Jeremy Sayagnao (Salyersville), Palmer Schmidt (Nicholasville), Alex Simms (Louisville), Trenton Summers (Louisville), and Griffin Wilson (Paducah).
Craft Academy’s success shows the skill of its students and the strength of MSU’s science and technology programs. The RGL is a fun and exciting combat robotics competition created by Newton’s Attic and supported by MSU’s Center for STEM+eXcellence.
“Just for an event like this, the logistics behind it are insane. We’ve got to plan the day accordingly and go from there. There’s a lot involved in the sport, but I will say it’s an incredible, incredible experience,” said Kidwell.
It takes what students learn in the classroom and brings it to life through hands-on robot battles. Teams build their robots and compete in intense matches. They also earn special badges through the RGL app and learn lessons that match Kentucky’s science and engineering standards.
“RGL is transformative—students gain invaluable experience in robotics, mission operations, and teamwork,” Malphrus added. “We are excited to see RGL alums in our aerospace and robotics programs at Morehead State.”
Craft Academy joined a select group of finalists across Kentucky, demonstrating the power of hands-on STEM education and underscoring MSU’s leadership in preparing students for advanced careers in science and engineering.
Craft students Layne and Schmidt were this year’s National Merit Finalists. Winners of the National Merit will be announced on May 7. Applications for Robot Gladiator League Season III are now open at RGLhub.com.
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior high school years by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy aims to meet the unique educational needs of the Commonwealth's academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through project-based STEM+X courses and hands-on learning experiences emphasizing innovation, design, creativity, and civic and regional engagement.
To learn more about the Craft Academy, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.
PHOTO CAPTION: Craft Students won first place in the Vulcan Legion during Season II of the Robot Gladiator League.
Front row, left to right: Spencer Cornett, Jeremy Sayagnao, Daisy Bently, Jai Cameron, and Skylar Hu.
Back row, left to right: Staff Sponsor Michael Combs, Leah Johnson, Trenton Summers, Alex Simms, Marshall Oliver, Apaar Kabra, Griffin Wilson, Maddie Haynes, Ellis Kidwell, and Jacob Cooper.
