The chess team clinched a top spot above both Neuqua and Waubonsie Valley at Elgin High School on Dec. 7. With a big win over Neuqua Valley, the team clinched their top spot.

“Our team has gone 6-0, and this is our first time beating our sister schools,” said junior Edward Stern. A big step was taken by defeating Neuqua Valley and it completed the sweep of our sister schools. “In the past, Neuqua’s always been number one,” said Coach Thomas Womack.

The team has maintained an undefeated status and has high hopes for their seed now with state around the corner. “Our record in conference helps our seed in state,” said senior William Lin. The team has been dominant in conference so far, which is hopeful regarding the state tournament, and they are looking forward to the chance to continue to outdo our sister schools.

The group’s confidence is growing and they’re feeling the immediate impact of the big victory. “This will increase our publicity,” said Lin. The confidence is turning into wins, and the team went a collecting 20-2-2 in their 24 individual matches in the tournament.

The team has been strong as a collective group this year, and their roster is well rounded. “The lower boards have really picked up the slack,” said Stern. With the team playing so well against a strong Neuqua team as a whole, they’re happy with the way they’ve been playing. “The kids, they love to win,” said Womack.

The team is preparing for the state tournament to come and their goals are high headed into the climax of the season. “We’ve gone to state every year I’ve been here and we’ve always done decently… now I think we’re a better team and we can make it past our previous record,” said Stern.

By Turner Smith

Photo by Grant Bolle