Cyber Defenders head to nationals

CHENEY - Eastern Washington University's Cyber Defenders will be headed to the national competition in Tampa, Fla., to defend its title April 20.

This year's national berth follows a March 16 first-place showing in National Centers of Academic Excellence Cyber Games.

This year's team comprises students Daniel Peterson, Eric Leachman, Alexa Darrington, Adrian Fudge, Robert Rutherford, Dennis Vinnikov, Isaiah Bessire, Thomas Longwell, Rhata Bhatia and Lewis Thomas. They are coached by Stu Steiner, Eastern's assistant professor of computer science and electrical engineering.

In the regional competition March 16, the Cyber Defenders topped teams from Western Governors University, Boise State University, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University, South Puget Sound Community College and Southern Utah University.

The Eastern team amassed 4, 515 points out of a possible 11,250 to win the regionals and advance. Points are scored on capturing the flag, 20%, and securing services and networks, 80%. Points are based on how long you can keep the infrastructure up and running.