Chess Team Wins State; Advances to Nationals

For the first time in history, Parkway North’s Chess Team has taken the state title this past Saturday, March 10 in Jefferson City. Parkway North’s Chess Team won state by a record high of 1.5 points, beating their biggest competitors Vianney

Sophomore Kevin Deng said, “We weren’t expecting a win by that much, it was pretty big.”

Deng competed in the state competition and won second place for board three.  His hard work and practice paid off in the tournament.

Deng said, “We were expected to do well, but not get first place.”

The Parkway North Chess Team met every Wednesday to prepare for tournaments and they also played chess together online and with other opponents.

“The best way to improve is to play more games,”  said Deng.

When arriving at the tournament, the team saw hundreds of chess games set up.  Each team member played four games and each managed to place.

During the chess team’s regular season in The Gateway Chess League, which is all of the Saint Louis-Metro area, the team took first place and swept all of the competition.

After this big win, Parkway North went on to compete at state and will compete at Nationals on April 13-15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The Chess Team applied for a $2000 grant from Parkway and it has been accepted.

Chess Sponsor Adam Stiller said, “Our team has proven to be the strongest in the state, so our next battle is Nationals.  The boys have earned this and I expect them to do well.”

– MaryKate Mudd