International computer programming contest computes to top 10 local finishes for USD students
The contest, a team-based programming competition operated by a global network of universities hosting regional competitions, is designed to test each team's communication, analysis and problem-solving ability under pressure. Teams of three students competed for a chance to advance to the World Finals in Warsaw, Poland.
Coached by Computer Science Professor Doug Goodman, two USD teams placed in the top 10 locally. Freshman Gary Christiansen, junior Michelle Lee and junior Ryan Coyle completed four problems, placing first at the Vermillion site and 28th regionally, while seniors Brian Reed, Andrew Schmitz and Zach Dicus solved three problems and placed 10th at USD.
USD was one of the satellite sites for the contest’s North Central North America region in which more than 200 teams competed at solving 10 problems in five hours. Additionally, 18 teams from seven area schools participated. As part of their preparation, the USD teams analyzed problems from previous competitions and competed against each other in a practice contest.