The Morris College cybersecurity majors who participated in the competition were: Javier King (senior, Captain), Rebekah Grissett (junior), and Arthur Nealy (freshman). They were accompanied by Dr. Radman Ali, Dr. Dorothy Bishoff, and Ms. Terri Kenely.
The event was sponsored by the Advanced Technology International (ATI), with financial support from several South Carolina businesses, industries and corporations.
The competition began at 10 a.m. with the National Anthem, the African American Anthem, and devotionals. The Mohawk Man (Matt Denny) emceed the event, and Michael Hoyt, the chairman of the Hackathon, provided needed technical support. Ms. Stacey Lindbergh of ATI was the dynamo behind the event.
Dr. Frank Abagnale, the keynote speaker, stirred the audience with his deep knowledge of cyberspace, social media, and potential dangers to users. Abagnale’s latest book is titled “Scam Me if You Can”. It is a take on his famous book “Catch Me if You Can” that was turned to a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Hacking continued non-stop until 3 p.m. The competition was slow at first, but became a nail-biting situation in the last 10 minutes. With significant assistance from Michael Hoyt and his team of technical assistants, the Morris College Hornet Team gained experience and confidence, and began to challenge the leading team from Trident Technical College, who gained the first spot and relentlessly defended it until the end. At the two-minute warning, the Morris College Hornet Team was within striking distance (by 3 points) of first place, but remained at the second place spot atthe end of the competition. Dr. Bishoff, Ms. Kenely and Dr. Ali were the cheer leaders for the Morris team.
Trident Technical College clinched first place and the Morris team came in second place. Members of the Trident team each received $500, while the Morris team members each received $250.
