Skip To Main Content

FRC Instigators 1596

Navigation

team logo

We are a school-sponsored FIRST robotics team that is in it's 21st year of competition.

There is something for everyone! It's more than just robots! Tap into mathematics, physics, electrical and mechanical engineering, computer programming, business, marketing, finance, social media, fundraising, outreach, fabricating and manufacturing.

Team members do a variety of tasks from business plans, art work, planning outreach activities, scouting and cheering for the team, learning 3D printing, and getting their hands dirty from handling wiring, wood, and metal. Be a part of the hardest fun you'll ever have.

Need more information?

First robotics competition

Contact Jeanne Shibley at
jshibley@eupschools.org
or call/text 906-630-1707 

Learning about robotics...

Meetings/Work Sessions are
Mondays from 6-8 pm
in the Robotics Lab

New members welcome!

2025-26 Season

A group of people, some wearing costumes, gathered around a robot or mechanical device in what appears to be a workshop or garage setting.

The Instigators at Rainbow Rumble 2025

The image shows a room with various equipment and decorations, including a robot on the floor, a person standing in the background, and colorful balloons and posters on the walls.

The Instigators robot interacts with kids at Fair Play 2025

Two individuals are working on a computer setup on a mobile platform in a classroom setting, with a whiteboard visible in the background.

Team member Cullen learns how to redesign the drive station with mentor Derek.

Two individuals, a woman and a young boy, are working together on a computer in what appears to be a cluttered workspace or workshop environment.

Team member Landin works with mentor Kayla to learn programming with Raspberry Pi.

A group of people, likely students, are gathered around a workbench in what appears to be a workshop or laboratory setting, examining and working on an electronic device or project.

Team members Ivy, Hannah and Pierce learn how to build a robot with mentor Derek.

A person in a green shirt is sitting on a large exercise ball, working on an electronic device on the floor in a classroom-like setting with a whiteboard and chairs in the background.

Team member Preston works on placing hydraulic elements onto the practice robot.

A group of people, likely students, are gathered in a classroom setting, working on a collaborative project or activity involving building or constructing something using various materials and tools.

The Instigators build one of two new work-benches.

A group of people, including several children, are gathered around a large wooden structure in what appears to be an educational or workshop setting, with various supplies and equipment visible in the background.

New team members assist with building a new work-bench.

A group of people, likely students, are gathered around a cluttered desk in what appears to be a classroom or study area, engaged in various activities on their computers.

Graphic designers and programmers work at the computer stations.

Mentor and student work on design strategy for driver's station.

Mentor Nate helps Kullen work through strategy on designing a new driver's station.

Students and mentors working on computers

Mentors Derek and Kayla work with CAD and coding programmers.

New battery cart construction

Piper and Jacob work under the supervision of mentor Rusty to build a new battery cart.

The image shows two people in casual clothing standing in front of a display with various logos and information, suggesting they are participating in some kind of event or competition.

Viewing the pit web site in Midland 2026.

A group of young people in red shirts and hats are gathered around a large robot or machine in a workshop-like setting with various tools and equipment visible in the background.

Smiling faces of the Instigators in the pit in Midland 2026.

A group of people in red shirts are gathered around a box of large yellow lemons in what appears to be a workshop or garage setting, with various tools and equipment visible in the background.

Playing UNO in the shop while waiting for the Mackinac Bridge to open.

A group of people in matching red shirts and black shirts stand together in front of a yellow and green building, with various equipment and supplies visible in the foreground.

Drive team at Midland Event 2026

NEW PIT WEBSITE:

Check out our team members, weekly progress and follow our matches!

Meet the Instigators

 

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors:

  • Dar's Designs - Silver Sponsor
  • BOEING - Platinum Sponsor! Thank you Kayla!
  • GM - Platinum Sponsor! Thank you for paying our team fee!
  • U.P. State Credit Union - Bronze Sponsor
  • Smith & Company Realtors - Bronze Sponsor
  • Central Savings Bank - Platinum Sponsor!
  • Roberts P. and Ella B. Hudson Foundation - Platinum Sponsor!
  • Parker ACE Hardware - Silver Sponsor
  • Soo Co-op Credit Union - Silver Sponsor
  • Soo Builders' Supply - Bronze Sponsor
  • Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club - Silver Sponsor
Help the Instigators succeed in their building goals and participate in robotics events by becoming a sponsor!

Donations can be sent to the team at:

     Robotics Team #1596
     Sault Area High School & Career Center
     904 Marquette Ave.
     Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Make checks payable to: Sault Area Public Schools
Note in memo: Robotics Team 1596

Team Expectations

Click on the link below to download the Team Expectations handbook. Please read thoroughly and return the signature page.

  • Team Expectations: This is the student's contract with the Team and parent/student signature form

Submit your forms to Mrs. Shibley in the CTE office or via e-mail to jshibley@eupschools.org

Events:

  • Kick-off: Saturday, January 10, 2026 at LSSU
  • Week 2: Midland, March 12-14, 2026
  • Week 4: LSSU, March 26-28, 2026
  • Presentation: School Board Meeting, May 11; Sault Elementary at 5:30 pm
  • Presentation: Central Savings Bank, May TBD
  • Team Banquet: Tuesday, May 19th at 5:30 pm; High School cafeteria commons
  • Presentation: Rotary Club, June TBD, LSSU Crow's Nest at Noon
  • Engineers' Day: Friday, June 26, 2026; Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie
  • Rainbow Rumble: July TBD
  • Chippewa County Fair: August TBD

 

season theme logo

 

District Competitions 2026

  • WEEK 2 - March 12-14 | Midland

We made it to the playoffs with Alliance 7! The team had a great time.​​​​​​​​

The image shows two people in casual clothing standing in front of a display with various logos and information, suggesting they are participating in some kind of event or competition.

Viewing the pit web site in Midland 2026.

A large indoor space with a basketball court, filled with various robotic structures, yellow balls, and people observing the scene.

Robot "Ozie" in action at Midland 2026.

A group of young people in red shirts and hats are gathered around a large robot or machine in a workshop-like setting with various tools and equipment visible in the background.

Smiling faces of the Instigators in the pit in Midland 2026.

A group of people in red and purple uniforms are gathered around a table, with various equipment and signage visible in the background.

Discussing strategy with Alliance 7 team captain in Midland 2026.

The image shows a crowded indoor event or exhibition, with people gathered around various displays and exhibits, including what appears to be a large robot or mechanical device in the foreground.

Hannah working on the robot in the pit at Midland 2026 with help from Manny.

A group of people in red shirts are gathered around a box of large yellow lemons in what appears to be a workshop or garage setting, with various tools and equipment visible in the background.

Playing UNO in the shop while waiting for the Mackinac Bridge to open.

A crowded indoor event venue with a stage, vendors, and a large audience seated in the foreground.

Instigators (in red) in action on the field in Midland, 2026

A group of people in matching red shirts and black shirts stand together in front of a yellow and green building, with various equipment and supplies visible in the foreground.

Drive team at Midland Event 2026

  • WEEK 4 - March 26-28 | LSSU

Once again we made it to the playoffs on Alliance 7! Had great end of season action.

Kirsi and Lily representing the Instigators with playoff Alliance 7.

Lily accepting the invitation to be a part of playoff Alliance 7.

Ozie working together with alliance partners.

Robot "Ozie" getting into shooting position.

Full of "fuel" and launching into the hopper.

Drive team B with Marek as driver, Kirsi as operator, Kullen and Lily.

Drive team A with Marek as driver, Kirsi as operator, Hannah and Lily.

In place and ready to play.

The Instigators being introduced by emcee Dr. Jones.

Kullen in the gator suit with the mascots at LSSU.

Team members working on the robot in the pit.

Instigators at LSSU 2026