Sparta Chess Club competes nationally

SPARTA — The Sparta Chess Team recently sent 26 players to Nashville, Tennessee, to compete in the National Scholastic Chess Championships sponsored by the United States Chess Federation. The tournament lasted for four days and had over 5,300 players from 45 states and all grade levels. The most successful team was the K-3 placing fifth in the speed event, where each player has only five minutes to play an entire game. The team placed 23rd in the main tournament with over 900 competitors. Lizzie Wolfe won her last five games and was awarded a trophy for her efforts. Austin Kasabri, and A.J. Thomas only lost one game each in the K-8 U-750 event. Both received individual awards, with Kasabri placing seventh and Thomas placing 14th. The K-8 U-1000 team placed eighth behind Kyra Schluter and Adam Banatt’s four wins each. The Sparta High School Varsity chose to play in the most difficult section of the High School Championship, and placed 30th, behind the three-win efforts from Bryce Bartling and Kyle Ross. The JV team placed 12th in their event. Chris Avarella won his first six matches, and Matt Finkle and Brian DeRitter each won four games. Educational studies have shown that competitive chess increases critical thinking and problem solving skills, and promotes self confidence and responsibility. The team is finishing its seventh season and is coached by Tom Murray, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial.