About

Team History

2015 Founding

Founded by Luis Garza, an alumnus and former teacher at Don Bosco Technical Institute. The team debuted at the Los Angeles Regional, finishing 30th of 66, and was built around a five-year plan to grow a new team into a regional playoff contender.

2016–2019 The climb

The team improved steadily over the following seasons, reaching the playoffs at the 2018 Ventura Regional and posting its strongest run yet in 2019, ranking 8th of 49 at the Orange County Regional and again advancing to the playoffs.

2020 The reset

The 2020 season ended early when FIRST suspended competition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the team's experience and momentum was lost, and 5669 found itself rebuilding almost from the ground up.

2021–2026 The comeback

The years since have been a steady climb back, stronger each season. California's move to a district model brought 5669 into the FIRST California District, and in 2026 the team returned to the playoffs as a first-round alliance pick, its best performance in seven years.

FIRST

Current Season

Achievements

  • 2026 - Reached the FIRST California District playoffs as a first-round alliance pick

  • 2019 Orange County Regional - Ranked 8th of 49 and advanced to the playoffs

  • 2018 Ventura Regional - Ranked 11th of 42 and advanced to the playoffs

Officers

  • Evan Hauffen

    President

  • Francis Smith

    Vice President

  • Francis Smith

    Mechanical & Design Officer

  • Andrew Cini

    Software & Electrical Officer

  • Dylan Casas

    Publicity & Media Officer

Mentors

  • Luis Garza

    Lead Mentor
    Team Administrator

  • Alejandro Piña

    Lead Mentor

  • Brian Kennedy

    Mentor

  • Lorenzo Pedroza

    Mentor

  • Kevyn Gonzales

    Mentor

School Info

Don Bosco Technical Institute is an all-male Catholic high school in Rosemead, California, focused on preparing the next generation of engineers and technologists. Students specialize in one of six technical pathways: Architecture & Construction Engineering (ACE); Biological, Medical, and Environmental Technology (BMET); Computer Science & Electrical Engineering (CSEE); Integrated Design, Engineering & Art (IDEA); Material Science, Engineering & Technology (MSET); and Media Arts & Technology (MAT).