Feb. 18, 2010 Press release - Chess Team Scores Well

Chess Team Scores Well

SPARTA — The Sparta Chess Team participated in the 44th Greater NYC Scholastic Chess Championships held at the Hotel New Yorker.

The Sparta Middle School team placed third in the Reserve Section, and fourth in the Novice Section. A J T. and Kyra S. led the effort with three wins each. They were helped by Adam B., Dillon M., and Erich S.

The Sparta Elementary Team placed fourth in the Novice Section, with Anthony E., and Keith J. each winning four games and placing seventh and thirteenth individually. Lizzy and Thomas W., Emily B., Chudi O., Tyler S., Christopher H., Travis K., Alex S., Matt D. and Sam E. a kindergartener, aided in the accomplishment. Special recognition goes to Kayla M. who won three games in the more difficult Reserve Section. Kayla has the highest US Chess Federation ranking of any elementary student in club history.

Morgan K. led the Primary team assisted by Evan J., Christopher J., Riley K., and the kindergarten trio of Colin M., Lucas R. and Brittany B.

Natasha S. had the top Sparta score in the High School Reserve Section. Kyle B., Eryk B., Rob T., Austin K., Chris A. and Alex D. rounded out the team.

The Sparta HS Varsity team reached the halfway point in North Jersey Chess League play, and remain undefeated with a 5-0 record, defeating West Orange and Newark Academy recently. Eryk B. and Kyle B. have yet to lose a game. Natasha S., Rob T., Matt F. and Michael C. contributed to the success of the team.

Tom Murray, a financial planner with Ameriprise, is the coach of the all of the Sparta Chess Club teams.