Chess teams from Meadowthorpe Elementary and Tates Creek High earned state chess titles in their divisions on Saturday. 

 

Much like the sweet sixteen in basketball, teams earn the right to compete in the state tournament based on their performance in regional competitions.

 

The state tournament includes four rounds, where each member of the four person team goes head-to-head with a student from another team. Students on each team are ranked and compete with the similarly ranked students on their opposing teams. Winners earn a point a piece; a tie gives each student a half-point.

 

Meadowthorpe’s champion team members include fourth- and fifth-graders Kyle Clark, Alice Li, Nick Lingireddy, Brennen Sanders, Eric Xiong and Meghan Waters. The students are coached by Meadowthorpe curriculum coach Michael Price.

 

“What makes this group special is their hard work and dedication, their commitment outside of the classroom and the way they came together to work and support each other as a team,” Price said. “Even thought the competition is made up of individual games, it’s still a team concept.”

 

Tates Creek High School’s win marks the first state chess title in school history. The team also became the first Fayette County high school to win the competition since 1999.   Team members include juniors and seniors Erik Patchell, Patrick Thompson, Andrew Patchell, David O’Bryant, Josh Lau, and Tess Davidson. The team is sponsored by Maureen Batts.

 

“Chess is a confidence builder and has helped them in school,” said Molly Patchell, whose sons play for Tates Creek.

 

Lexington Traditional Magnet School placed third in the competition – improving from last year’s sixth place finish.   The team is coached by LTMS curriculum coach Patrice Thompson and community volunteer Larry Bell.

 

“It’s really exciting for Lexington to have three schools finish so well,” said Nancy Lau, a parent sponsor for LTMS.

 

“Chess allows our children to become analytic and reflective thinkers, which prepares them to be problem solvers in the many different situations they come across,” Meadowthorpe coach Michael Price said. “They get to utilize their competitive spirit in an academic setting that still requires teamwork and training and practice for success. Just as an athlete would train and lift weights, these kids train by studying drills and boards – it’s training your brain.”