March 18, 2009 Press release - Middle School Chess Team Wins State Championship


Middle school chess team wins state championship


SPARTA — The Sparta Middle School Chess Team captured the NJ K-9 Championship held recently at Rutgers. The effort was led by Eryk B., who did not lose a game during the event, and scored four points out of five. Right behind him was Dylan R. with 3 1/2 out of five, and Adam B., Ian C., Colin C. and Austin K. each had three wins. Alec B. and Anthony S. also added to the effort. The Sparta Middle School Team had finished in second place in this event four out of the last five years. The Sparta High School Varsity captured sixth place in the high school championship with a 3-2 record.

The team defeated Union County Tech, Bergen Academy B, and Toms River East, while losing to perennial powerhouses Christian Brothers Academy, and High Tech Charter. Scott V. went undefeated on Board 3 and was cited for excellent play during the tournament. The Sparta High Junior Varsity Team placed second in their event losing only to Toms River East, while defeating Toms River North, Christian Brothers Academy, Dunellen and Mountain Lakes. First Board Rob T., second Board Natasha S., and Third Board Joe G., were all recognized for excellent scores. Not to be outdone, the Mohawk Avenue Team placed fifth in the NJ Elementary Championships held at Brookdale College in Lincroft. Kyra S. had three wins, and was assisted by Gretchen B., Travis K., Michael D., Thomas W., and Austin A.. Dillon M. had three wins representing Sparta Middle School.

Anthony E. turned in Sparta’s top score in the NJ Primary in a very difficult tournament. Reilly K. was awarded the trophy for third best kindergarten player. The team will be sending 29 players to the Supernationals Scholastic Championship in Nashville, Tennessee from April 2 through April 5.