Sparta Chess Team shines at nationals

SPARTA — The Sparta Middle School Chess Team placed third in the U1000 division at the National Junior High Chess Championships held at San Diego, California. Thomas Wolfe and Travis Kasabri led the effort with five wins out of seven. Keith Johnson won four and tied one, and Anthony Esposito and Christopher Hakkenberg had four wins each. The team was in fierce competition with Washington Parks Academy in Redford, Michigan (the winner), and Rockaway Middle School from Miami, Florida. Wolfe and Kasabri received awards for individual play.

The middle school also fielded a team in the U750 division that played with three instead of the usual four or more players. Lizzy Wolfe, Griffin Mendel, and Morgan Kasabri battled their way to a tenth place finish. Wolfe was cited for individual achievement in winning five games.

The Sparta Elementary Team finished eighth in the same event. Lucas Rendina had four wins. Reilly Kasabri, Sam Esposito and Vaiden Pollard contributed to the effort.

The high school team participated in the National High School Championships held in Minneapolis, Minn. Ian Clark only lost once, and Austin Kasabri had three wins and a draw as the team finished 20th in the U1600 division. The team advanced to a more difficult level of competition due to last years successful third place finish in the U1200 at Nashville. Eryk Banatt, Adam Banatt, and Colin Casey also participated.