November 19, 2008 Press release - Sparta Chess Club successful at New England Scholastic Championships

Chess club successful in tourney

SPARTA — The Sparta Chess Team recently placed first or second in every division of the New England Scholastic Championships tournament in Mt. Snow, Vt. The Sparta Chess Club is in its seventh year and currently has 160 members.

The Sparta High School varsity team won first place in the high school division. Members were: Kyle R., Rob T., Kyle B., Natasha S., Matt F., and Brian D.. Kyle B., Natasha S., Matt F. and Brian D. finished in the top ten. The Sparta Middle School team also placed first, with Adam B. winning individual second place. Eryk B. finished fourth; Dylan R. sixth; and Austin K. eighth.

Alec B. played in his first event, and A.J. T. “gave solid support to the team,” organizers said. Eryk B. and Adam B. also won the doubles or “Bughouse” tournament against players from all divisions. Kyra S. won individual first in the elementary division, and led the team to a second place finish. Kyra was assisted by Gretchen B., Thomas W., Travis K., Matt D., Lizzie W., Emily B., and Kayla M. Kyra and Thomas were recognized for individual achievement. In their major tournament debuts, the primary division team of Morgan and Reilly K., and Cooper and Cleary W. placed second. All of the team members were recognized for individual play.

In other events, Bryce B. took an individual first place, and the varsity team finished second in the Pocono Mountain East tournament. Rob T. and John I. turned in strong showings, organizers said. The middle school, behind Austin K., A.J. T. and Colin C., also placed second. All grade levels will be playing in the New Jersey Grade Level Championships on Nov. 23 at Brookdale College in Lincroft.