We had an interesting and dramatic late competition check in with Team Bronco-2. So what did they think of the Oak Ridge Quantum Challenge? Mind bending and hard to get a handle on in only a week. Absolutely right on that score. That one could have (should have) been tackled over two weeks rather than one. Next year, if Oak Ridge wants to take another wild journey like this, they’ll get two weeks if they need it.
Throughout the interview, it was clear that the students learned a lot during the competition. Their skills vastly improved in ways that won’t show up on the scoreboard. Like the majority of participants in these events, these students have come from not knowing really anything about HPC to the point where they want to see if they can start their career in it. That’s what this thing is all about.
On the drama side. Towards the end of the interview, Brock seemed distracted – and for good reason. He noticed that there was a tornado watch issued for his area, which was upgraded to a tornado warning very quickly. But he stuck with the interview. I was inspired to add some special effects to illustrate Brock’s dilemma and then to highlight Daniel’s future in rescue helicopter piloting. Great team and great to have them in the 2025 competition.