December 3rd, 2009 Press release - Student chess team starts season, boasts multiple wins

SPARTA — The Sparta Chess team opened their season by winning three state championships at the NJ Grade Level Chess Tournament. The Helen Morgan fourth graders won their second consecutive title led by Kayla M. and Anthony E. with three points, and Keith J. with 2.5 points. Tyler S., Alex S. and Ryan R. each had two points. The Sparta Middle School sixth graders finished first on the undefeated four point score of Kyra S. Thomas W. had two points, and Devan D. was also on the team. The middle school seventh grade team also finished first. The first grade team finished second behind Reilly K.’s two points. Joseph V. and Christopher J. were also part of the team. The Sparta Middle School eighth graders placed second behind A.J. T. winning three points. Adam B., and Austin K. each had two points, and Ian C. was also a member of the team.
The second graders placed two teams in the top five. The Alpine team placed second, with Ian M., Brandon R., and Ben L. winning two points. Haig C. and Nathaniel M. aided in the effort. The Helen Morgan team placed fifth, with Alexis L. and Karthik S. each gaining two points. The third grade team had an outstanding effort from Daniel L. with 2.5 points. Evan J. and Morgan K. each had two wins. The Mohawk Ave team was led by Matt D.’s two wins. Chudi O., Emily B., and Griffin M. also participated.
The Sparta High School Varsity began their season by defeating East Stroudsburg South by a score of 10-2. Eryk B., and Matt F. each had two wins. Natasha S. had a win and a draw. Harrison D. and Chloe K. played in their first match. The Varsity has a rematch with ESS next week.