U of M Teams Dominate Site in Regional ACM Programming Contest Two teams from the U of M, Twin Cities took the top two spots at the U of M, Morris contest site, and the 12th and 18th spots in the North Central Region in the ACM 26th Annual International Programming Contest Regionals, held November 10th at multiple sites. The contest involves teams of three undergraduates who have 5 hours and one computer to solve as many of the problems provided as possible. The winning team is the one that has solved the most problems. If two teams solve the same number of problems, the winner is chosen based on the time required to submit a satisfactory solution. Of the 114 teams participating in the region, the Gold team, consisting of Jesse Boettcher, Jim Esser, and Elliot Olds, placed 12th, in the top 11%, and the Maroon team, consisting of Rob Bajorek, Rob Duckles, and Jonathan Moon, placed 18th, in the top 16%. The teams were coached by Professor Bobbie Othmer. Although both teams did well, neither team was satisfied with its performance and expects to do much better next year. Their coach is convinced they will too. She is also looking for more students interested in competing next year.

-Bobbie Othmer