Montana Tech students compete in international programming contest

Nine Montana Technological University computer science and software engineering students tested their problem-solving and coding skills during the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) held Oct. 31 on campus.

The ICPC is a global programming competition that challenges teams of college students to solve complex problems through computer programming. The competition includes regional, national and international rounds, with the top three teams from each regional contest advancing to nationals.

Montana Tech served as a regional contest site, hosting three teams of students ranging from freshmen to juniors. The teams competed against 72 other teams across the region.

Participating students included James Stroebe, Evra Williams, Alice Brummer, Dylan Baldwin, Linus McKenna, Clinton Reimann, Mikayla Iten, Rei Kepa and Nolan Wedlake.

While Montana Tech's teams did not advance to the national competition, the event provided valuable experience for students, most of whom were competing for the first time.

Montana Tech ICPC Site Director and Regional Contest Organizer Melissa Holmes said the students plan to build on this year's experience through weekly practice sessions in preparation for next year's competition.

The event was supported by Montana Tech staff, alumni and student volunteers, including DeeDee Flanagan, Jason Rackham, Riley Willis, Parker Weber, Danielle Failor and Madison Austin.