Metropolitan State University took second place at the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition State Qualifiers in Alexandria on Feb. 9.
The team advanced into a wildcard match with other state runners-up teams. After placing in the top two in that wildcard match the team will now advance to a regional competition March 1516 in Chicago. Team members are excited and ready to compete for a spot that would advance them to the national competition in April.
The team has been preparing for the competition since last fall, and has built up skill, knowledge and experience of information and cyber security in the areas of operations and network management, and infrastructure challenges that organizations face in their business information systems. In the process, the members have developed a spirit of teamwork and collaboration to communicate effectively and help each other learn even in times of stress and pressure.
Twelve members make up the team, with two coaches. Pictured from left, are Matthew Weikert (coach and cybersecurity professor), Kyle Henson, Alex Hepp, Kevin Day, Abidemi Lawal, Tenbite Yadetie, Linda Moua (front), James Herzog, Andrew Schmitt (coach and cybersecurity professor), Skyler Jensen, Alyssa Maki, Ryan Server, Gabriel Otten and Jeremy Herrera.Eight of the 12 compete, with four alternates.