SBHS Chess Championship

by Pari Patel ('28)

The Chess Club allows students to participate in a game they feel passionate about and lets them relax but still be competitive with their peers outside of school. 

On Wednesday February 12, the Chess Club won their playoff match in the Shore Chess League against schools all over NJ. Because the team is considered a winter sport, they play matches from November to February during the school year. Winning that playoff led them to their ‘grand finale’ on Tuesday, February 25 showing the dedication of the players and coaches. The commitment to the sport shows through the results of the tournament, with SBHS winning 3rd place overall in the league championship.

When asked about how the students prepared for the championship and how it affected their social wellbeing and performance, Chess Club Coach Mr. Stephen Trainor said, “It's all about the end game, every decision you make in life actually results in a finish line and your choices control where that finish line is.” 

Throughout the week before the game, the students had been carefully planning and training themselves for the final match. At the last meeting on February 19, the students were given strategies and techniques to use that would help them be proficient and beat the other teams swiftly. 

At the tournament, participants and staff were provided lunch, trophies, plaques, chess clocks, and even individual prizes for the winners. The games lasted from 9am-5pm. SBHS went up against other counties in the state like Monmouth County, Ocean County, West Windsor, Carlstadt, Holmdel, and Hightstown.

There are also state competitions but because the club is fairly new-started in 2023, SBHS has refrained from competing. There is a high fee and the event takes up two days, turning it into an overnight trip. Furthermore, the Shore Chess League offers two off- season weekend tournaments where SBHS has brought home a first place and third place win in the past. 

The club has many experienced and non-experienced players. Some students come in meetings not knowing a single thing and leave at the end of the year being prodigies. 

Mr. Trainor continued, “Club has a huge mix of people, people who get taught, people who have played in the past.” 

From the win, the students have shown perseverance and hard-work. Last year, SBHS Principal Mr. Peter Varela attended the matches and felt very proud of the results. 

After seeing the placements of this year’s tournament, Mr. Varela said, “What truly stands out to me, though, is their sincere passion for growing the game and helping others learn chess. With so many of our students involved, paired with Advisor Trainor's unwavering guidance, support, and enthusiasm, the future of our Chess Team and Program knows no bounds.”

Many players return the following years to compete against one another or join the winter team. Last year, there were four seniors who started off the team but then left at the end of the year for college. However, their first and second awards of the season this year were won by a freshman and a sophmore, showing the dedication each student puts into chess. As the chess team continues to be a tradition, it will attract more passionate students and give them an interest in chess and team-building.