Skyline chess A team takes 4th at state
March 2, 2009
By Christopher Huber
Sammamish Review – sammamish, wa, USA
Asserting its place as one of the top chess-playing schools around, the Skyline High School A team recently took fourth at the 42nd annual High School State Team Tournament at Burlington-Edison High School Feb. 28. The Spartans’ B team placed 13th.
More than 210 players from 32 varsity teams around the state spent two days in the Skagit Valley playing chess.
It came down to a five-minute speed-chess playoff between Interlake and Lakeside, both KingCo teams, but the Skyline A team ended the season on a high note when it swept the Garfield B team in round five.“Even our team B, they finished firmly in the top half of state competition,” said Barry Hansen, Skyline Chess Club coach. “They should be very proud.”
Traditionally a state chess powerhouse, Skyline made it to state this year after beating Issaquah 4.5-.5 in the KingCo tournament Feb. 19.
The Spartans A team came within half a point of tying for first with Interlake A at that meet.
“We were one draw away from tying,” Hansen said.
The season begins in October, and chess teams compete in one match a week for nine weeks. Teams consist of five players, who play 90-minute games.
Skyline has fielded at least one team for the past six years, Hansen said.
Source: http://sammamishreview.com
Very interesting concept with team chess for kids.