1 of 3

Members of the Broken Zip Ties display six of the awards they won in their competitions. In back, from left, are Burke Egner and Molly Nelson. In front, from left, are Maxx Richards, Tyler Yolden, Paul “Kenny” Hillman and Easton Hillman. Alex Guerrero/Albert Lea Tribune

From left, Tyler Yolden and Max Richards, both sophomores, show off the robot the team competed with. Alex Guerrero/Albert Lea Tribune

The team began planning for this year last spring following their world competition in Texas. Alex Guerrero/Albert Lea Tribune

Team tied for state record for most awards from single team

Even with the dangerously cold temperatures and snow over the last week, the weather couldn’t stop the Broken Zip Ties.

The high school robotics team had what coach Burke Egner, Albert Lea school district technology integration teacher and coach of both the middle and high school robotics teams, described as an “amazing” weekend.

“We went to two tournaments,” he said. “On Friday the Albert Lea robotics teams, both the middle school and high school, attended the Minnesota State Mankato robotics tournament. The Broken Zip Ties came away with a trophy for tournament finalist for making it to the…