EAST HIGH CHESS TEAM RECEIVES SPECIAL HONORS!

The East High Chess Team has been invited by Superintendent Dr James A Williams to the Buffalo School Board meeting, Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30pm for special recognition for their performace at the 2010 National High School Scholastic K-12 Chess Championship, Columbus Ohio held in April.

The East High three man team in their first national championship, pictured above with Carol Jarecki, USCF National Tournament Director, competed in the Unrated Section against 144 players and 32 teams during the three days, seven round championship, finished 24th place where only the top twenty five teams earn team trophies. Pictured (L-R)James Hampton, Joshua Hampton, Coach Mc Duffie, seated is Christian F.E. Collier.

The final national individual results were Christian F.E. Collier, senior finished 77th place, Joshua Hampton, spohomore finished 92nd, James Hampton, sophomore finished 123rd, Andrew Pencille, 4th grader from Charles Upson Elementary finished 124th, Miles A James, 3rd grader from Olmstead #64, played in the U800 section and finished 138th place out of 222 players.

Bishop Timon Chess Team competed in the U800 Section with 222 players, finished 4th in the nation and special honors trophy was awarded to Scott Wilson, senior finished 14th was extended an invitation by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador as they have continued to perform well. All the chess players will receive certificates of outstanding achievement from the Superintendent and the Buffalo School Board. Maybe Chess has finally arrived in Buffalo and hopefully this will lead to more support and encouragement from Superintendent Williams.

Special thanks to volunteers Barry Davis, National Master who traveled with the Bishop Timon team and Alanna Katz, University of Buffalo, who both spent time during the three days and helped give encouragement, reviewed games and chess strateies to all of the players from Buffalo.

I have begun to assemble the makings of an All Girls Chess team for the 2010 National High School K - 12 Championships to be held in Florida come this December. If you know of any girls who should be considered, or if you would like to help train, Coach, an All Girls Chess Team, please send me her full name and telephone number with reply to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

Respectfully submitted by Mc Duffie, Chess Ambassador