WT Computer Programming Team Ranks Highly at Collegiate Contest

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s Buff Coders computer programming team earned a win at a recent regional competition.

The three-person team placed first at its site at the University of Oklahoma and fifth in the region.

Overall, the team finished 39th out of the 110 teams competing in the International Collegiate Programming Contest, held simultaneously Nov. 16 at multiple sites across the south central United States.

“This contest is renowned as the world’s oldest and most esteemed programming contest, challenging students to solve complex, real-world algorithmic problems under time pressure,” said Dr. Mohammad Siddiqui, assistant professor of computer science in WT’s College of Engineering. “The team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and performance under pressure. This experience has provided them with valuable exposure to competitive programming at a high level, interaction with peers from other institutions, and practical application of their computer science knowledge.”

The five-hour competition featured 13 algorithmic problems of varying difficulty. The WT team attempted eight problems and successfully solved five of them.

Team members are Alexios Collins, a senior computer science major from Amarillo; William Kolath, a senior computer science major from Amarillo; and Alexandra Greeno, a senior computer science major from Amarillo.

Recruiting and retaining the brightest students is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: West Texas A&M University's Buff Coders team recently scored highly at regional competition. Pictured are, from left, William Kolath, Alexios Collins, Alexandra Greeno and Dr. Mohammad Siddiqui, adviser.

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