Amarillo College Cybersecurity Students Shine at Cyber Challenge 2.0

Amarillo College students delivered standout performances at the Cyber Challenge 2.0 on Nov. 20, earning multiple top finishes in both team and individual competitions during the regional cybersecurity event hosted by the College’s Innovation Outpost.

Powered by EC-Council’s Cyber Range, the competition brought together high school students, college students, and professionals for a full day of immersive, real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Participants competed in team-based “capture the flag” challenges in the morning, followed by individual competitions in the afternoon across Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional divisions.

Amarillo College students played a pivotal role throughout the event, securing half of the winning team placements and sweeping the College Division individual awards.

“The Cyber Challenge gives participants a chance to experience what real-world cybersecurity looks like — fast-paced, collaborative, and constantly evolving,” said Argenis Cunha, Amarillo College cybersecurity learning and technology specialist. “Events like this inspire new interest in the field and help students see that cybersecurity isn’t just about just about implementing frameworks — it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and defending our digital future.”

Team Competition Results

1st Place Team

• Haughton Bivens – AmTech High School Student
• Shaun Brooks – Amarillo College Student
• Rowdy Burke – Region 16 Professional

2nd Place Team

• Steven Huddleston – AmTech High School Student
• Carlos Quiroz – Amarillo College Student
• John Laur – Blurb Co. Professional

3rd Place Team

• Samuel Burrell – AmTech High School Student
• Jared Dake – Amarillo College Student
• Kyle Cooper – Region 16 Professional

Scholarship prizes were awarded by EC-Council, including a choice of one of eight Essential Series cybersecurity certifications for each winning team member. Additional scholarships were presented to first-place finishers in each individual competition category.

Individual Competition Results

High School Division

• 1st Place: Samuel Burrell – AmTech High School Student
• 2nd Place: Brick Cooksey – AmTech High School Student
• 3rd Place: Abby Timmons – AmTech High School Student

College Division (All Amarillo College students)

• 1st Place: Carlos Quiroz – Amarillo College Student
• 2nd Place: Shaun Brooks – Amarillo College Student
• 3rd Place: Matt Dale – Amarillo College Student

Professional Division

• 1st Place: Rowdy Burke – Region 16 Professional
• 2nd Place: John Laur – Blurb Co. Professional
• 3rd Place: Kyle Cooper – Region 16 Professional

Chris George, Amarillo College computer information systems instructor, said the success of AC students reflects the College’s commitment to hands-on learning and workforce preparation.

“We want students and community members to gain skills that translate directly to the workplace,” George said. “This challenge brings people together, builds confidence, and shows participants that they can succeed in cybersecurity no matter where they’re starting from.”

Open to AC students of all majors as well as faculty, staff, and community members, Cyber Challenge 2.0 emphasized practical learning, exposure to essential security tools, and recognition for top performers—further reinforcing Amarillo College’s leadership in preparing students for high-demand careers in cybersecurity.