Launch Signature Event

Launch Signature Event

Launch is the premier VEX Robotics signature event hosted by Team 2011. Teams from across the region compete in an elite environment built to push the limits of student engineering. Join us for an unforgettable day of competition, innovation, and community.

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Hall of Fame

Meet the previous Launch Champions.

59218B

59218B

Cedar Grove Panthers

Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Launch 25-26 · Push Back

45434M

45434M

Meltdown

Beavercreek Robotics Club

Launch 25-26 · Push Back

45434M

45434M

Meltdown

Beavercreek Robotics Club

Launch 25-26 · Push Back

16610A

16610A

Snacky Cakes

Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Launch 25-26 · Push Back

Enter the Hall of Fame →

Launch Staff

Meet your Launch Crew & Mission Control!

Launch CrewHead Referee
John Queen

John Queen

John Queen returns again in 2026. He’s been a referee at seven World Championships and over 30 Signature Events, including the Kalahari Signature Event, Speedway and Mall of America. He’s also been a Head Referee at 15 different State Championships, including Indiana, Ohio,Pennsylvania and Michigan. You can always count on John with his Instagram account to have an entertaining video.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownRichwood, Ohio
OccupationIceream Parlor Owner
Spotify code — Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
Launch CrewEmcee
Leslie Tom

Leslie Tom

The voice of Launch. Leslie or better known as "BotAtomic" brings the energy from opening ceremony to the final match, and somehow remembers every team's name without looking it up. 23 Signature appearances at 9 Signature events. Her passion for Robotics is second to none If all humans were as caring as Leslie the world would be a better place.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownManassas, Virginia
OccupationSpecial Education Teacher
Spotify code — This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things by Taylor Swift
Launch CrewEmcee
Andrew Flis

Andrew Flis

The stache says it all

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownBrecksville, Ohio
OccupationEngineer
Spotify code — Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Launch CrewHead Referee
Ellie Clark

Ellie Clark

Ellie has competed 11 years herself in Vex Robotics. Additionally she has been a head referee for 3 years. 4 Signature events, 3 years of State Championships and 2 World Championships under her belt. In her spare time she competes with team Bloodsport on the TV show Battlebots.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownIndianapolis, Indiana
OccupationMechanical Engineer
Spotify code — Ready For It by Taylor Swift
Launch CrewA/V & Livestream
Myles Rapkin

Myles Rapkin

The reason you can watch from home. Myles runs the multi-camera livestream, the jumbotron, and the audio — and troubleshoots all three at once when needed. Owner of Multi-Trac Pros. Works with Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Guardians, Def Leopard and Johnny Knoxville to name a few of his clients . He has been the behind the scenes AV man of LAUNCH since its inception. In his free time Myles finds time to learn 7 languages.

YearsYrs @ Launch4
HometownBrecksville, Ohio
OccupationVideo Engineer
Spotify code — Get Lucky by Daft Punk
Launch CrewHead Referee
Katie Clark

Katie Clark

First friendly face every team meets. Katie leads robot inspection with a sharp eye for the rulebook and a knack for helping rookies pass on the first try.

YearsYrs @ Launch1
HometownMontague, Michigan
OccupationSystem Analyst
Spotify code — Mr. Brightside by The Killers
Launch CrewHead Referee
Chris Morris

Chris Morris

Ohio's own robot obsessed cowboy. Better known as "Cowboy Chris," he has been keeping the matches running smoothly and on time since LAUNCH's conception. A former VEX competitor and a lifelong robotics fan he has refereed at Worlds for multiple years with dome appearances as well. These alongside his appearances at multiple regional and signature level events make him a superior wrangler of the rulebook. He returns to referee at LAUNCH for another year.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownAkron, Ohio
OccupationAerospace Engineer - NASA
Spotify code
Launch CrewHead Referee
Steve Clark

Steve Clark

Steve Clark returns to LAUNCH. He served as a referee at Worlds in 2023–2026, as well as the Kalahari Signature Event. He boasts event credits at State Championships in the highly competitive states of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Coming from Montague, Michigan, Mr. Clark has spent 14 years involved with VEX Robotics. In his free time you can find him in Belize South America enjoying the weather.

YearsYrs @ Launch2
HometownMontague, Michigan
OccupationSoftware Architect
Spotify code — Enter Sandman by Metallica
Launch CrewEmcee
JonDarr Bradshaw

JonDarr Bradshaw

Returning to the LAUNCH for the third time is JonDarr Bradshaw, a highly experienced VEX announcer who has appeared multiple times in the VEX Worlds Dome. He’s spent more than eleven years voicing matches and introducing teams. His previous event credits include last season’s Michigan State Championship, three LAUNCH Signature Events, and several editions of the VEX Robotics World Championships. JonDarr is a former military aviator who went on to work at NASA for nearly three decades.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownCleveland, Ohio
OccupationRetired NASA
Spotify code — More than a feeling by Boston
Launch CrewHead Referee
Finn Clark

Finn Clark

Ellie has competed 11 years herself in Vex Robotics. Additionally she has been a head referee for 1 years. Multiple Signature events, State Championships and also World Championships under her belt. In her free time Finn loves to rock climb indoors.

YearsYrs @ Launch1
HometownCollege Park, Maryland
OccupationSoftware Developer
Spotify code — Midnight Sun by Zara Larsson
Launch CrewPhotographer
Clint Matlack

Clint Matlack

One of THE faces of Ohio Robotics. Clint is found at so many events helping, taking pictures and volunteering that the only way he could do more would be to have a twin.

YearsYrs @ Launch3
HometownDelaware, Ohio
OccupationGlobal R.S.F.
Spotify code — Freeze Frame by The J. Geils Band
MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE
EP

> EP

Craig Kowatch

Event Partner

2011 Coach Craig Kowatch, a mentor dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. Craig believes that robotics is about far more than building machines—it's about building confidence, resilience, and collaborative skills. His student centered leadership style empowers students to take ownership of their designs, turning this season's complex challenges into incredible triumphs.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> SIGNAL

Casey Kowatch

Communications Lead

Runs the newsfeed, social media, and all team-facing announcements.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> OPS

Gino Bommarito

Division Manager

Manages competition format, brackets, and the Tournament Manager software all day long.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> CREW

Corinne Berrett

Catering Coordinator

Recruits, schedules, and supports the entire Launch Crew before and during the event.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> BOOST

Jen McMillin

Sponsorship Lead

Builds partnerships that keep Launch funded and the prize table stacked.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

>

Pete Smith

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Specialist

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> CARGO

Rachel Jones

Volunteer Coordinator

Coordinates venue, fields, pit layout, and the thousand boxes that make an event happen.

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

>

Scott McCreery

Judge Advisor

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

> L'Nique

Angela Klodnick

Staging Manager

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

>

Ann Vertosick

Team Communication Manager

Team Communication Specialist

MISSION_CONTROL● LIVE

>

Jill Dunbar

Hotel Manager

Hotel Specialist

Meet the full staff →

Wear the Mission

Official Launch tees, hoodies, and patches are available at the event. Gear up and represent Launch on the competition floor and beyond.

Launch Patch Shirt