Student goes undefeated at State Chess Championship
By Sara Smith
Glen Ellyn News
Posted Mar 05, 2012 @ 10:03 AM
When he was 8 years old, Jamison Kaczmarek’s father started teaching him to play chess, and he hasn’t stopped since.
Now, as a senior at Glenbard West High School, Jamison, 17, of Glen Ellyn, has tried other hobbies and sports — such as wrestling and the forensics team — but chess is the only one he’s pursued.
“It’s easier to learn when you’re younger,” he said. “My dad was always enthusiastic about it, and then it stuck with me.”
Last month, Jamison went undefeated in the Illinois High School Association State Chess Tournament, which was held in Peoria.
He played the highest and most difficult of eight boards, and had a perfect 7-0 sweep.
“It was very difficult,” he said. “The competition is always a challenge.”
The tournament brought 125 teams together from across the state. A total of 125 teens played on board one — the highest of eight boards — and Jamison placed fourth. The three other players ahead of him were also undefeated. Lombard resident David Horn from Glenbard East High School placed fifth.
Each game takes about two hours, which totals a tiring 14 hours of chess during the tournament’s two days.
But Jamison said his team and two coaches, Bennett Joseph and Scott Liechty — a social studies teacher at Glenbard West — helped him prepare.
“They really push me to do well and are great motivation,” he said.
Full article here.
Nice job!