GULF SHORES – One of the two teams from Gulf Shores High School (GSHS) won second place in the University of Alabama's Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Competition (UACTF), which the school entered for the first time this year.

The team consisting of Rory Davis, Sonny Dove and Kai Shults each one a $100 gift card for their second-place win. The other team, of Ty Pittman, Cannon Thompson and Sibylla Ramos, was "in the top 5 for most of the competition."

Gulf Shores High School's computer science and engineering teacher, Jamie McClung, said the students were excited after the competition despite having "no expectations" for their first time at the event.

McClung said the competition focused on categories like cryptography, binary exploitation and digital forensics with varying difficulty levels. UACTF aims to "test and enhance" student's cybersecurity skills "in a fun, competitive environment."

The event provides students with the opportunity to "collaborate, learn and explore potential careers in cybersecurity."

"I was ecstatic that the student performed so well," McClung said on the GSHS group. "… I look forward to what we can accomplish through the years."

High school students across the state and nation (virtually) were represented at the event, McClung said. Students are divided into three divisions based on skill level to compete.

GSHS was placed in division two, which "utilizes fewer operating systems and a narrower scope" as the students were not sure what they were getting into with UACTF.

McClung explained it as a "Jeopardy-style" competition where different teams competed against each other. There is no limit on how many teams can compete on behalf of a school and each team can have up to four members.

GSHS "continue to impress" McClung as they show eager participation in competitions like UACTF.

"We left that morning at 3:30 a.m., competed for six hours and then got back at 10:30 p.m. That is a long day for anyone," McClung said on the competition. "It showcases exceptional qualities in these students. They can put in the time and effort to be successful, and I am honored to share this journey with them."