April 6, 2011 Press release - Sparta Chess Team shines in states
Sparta Chess Team shines in states
The Sparta Chess Team maintained their position as the best public school chess program in New Jersey with their results in the recent NJ State Scholastic Chess Championships. The Primary Team placed fourth in the NJ Primary Championship. Lucas R. and Reilly K. led the effort, and were assisted by Sam E., Christopher J., Brittany B., Alexis L., Ian M. and Vaiden P. Vaiden was cited for excellent play among the kindergarteners.
The Elementary Team placed third in their tournament behind private school powerhouses Princeton Day and Princeton Charter. Keith and Evan J. had three wins each. Zabrina B., Tyler S., Anthony E., Christopher H., Kayla M., Alex S., Daniel L., Morgan K., Ryan R., Thomas B. and Daniel B. comprised the rest of the team. Keith J. earned an individual award for superior play as a fifth grader. Travis K. turned in his best performance in leading the Middle School Team to a seventh place finish. Conor S., Kyra S., and Thomas W. aided in the effort.
Led by AJ T.s’ four wins, the High School team finished tenth in the Varsity event. Eryk B. played first board, followed by Adam B., Alex D., Austin K. and Thomas. Bergen Academy won the title followed by High Tech. Sparta lost to both of these schools. Sparta placed fifth in the Reserve Division, being the only team to defeat the tournament winner, Columbia. Both Ian C. and Rob T. received individual recognition. Colin C. and Natasha S. were also on the team. The entire team is preparing for the National Scholastic Championships in Nashville, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.