Tahoma High School robotics team trying to get back on track after thieves steal robot

COVINGTON, Wash. -- The Tahoma High School robotics team is scrambling after thieves ripped off their robot and thousands of dollars worth of tools.

On Monday night, they were racing to retool a practice robot in time for a big contest this weekend.

The stolen robot can be seen in action last weekend in Oregon, where the Tahoma team took first place. They got home Saturday night. Their adviser parked the team trailer outside his home, someone stole everything inside and dumped it in Auburn.

When the word of the theft got out, their competitors came to the rescue.

"The outpouring of support from our competing teams is just amazing," said student Alex Gibbs.

Other teams are donating material, practice space and even offering to buy dinner as these young scientists and engineers of the future get a lesson in good sportsmanship after a major setback.