Most people associate March Madness with basketball, but in the Springs School, the sport of chess, particularly the season’s final tournament, is a big deal in March too.
During the competitive chess season, which started earlier in the winter, a multitude of students practiced diligently to make it to the finals of the Chess Club tournament. Students, some as young as 9, attended each and every practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.
In the beginning of the tournament, there were approximately 20 students participating, but as the season came to its end, the best players made it to the grand finale. These players included Iker Santos, Chase Borosky, Samantha Moscoso Farfan, and Johan Mones. After a lot of focus, concentration, and competition, Johan, a seventh grader, was the winner. Even though he took the trophy home, the coach, Owen McCormack,
made sure to congratulate all of the competitors who made it to the top four.
“Chess gives me an opportunity to play a nonphysical sport to participate in with friends,” said Lucca Trentacoste, a sixth grader. “Even though I’m new to it, it’s fun to practice and learn more about the game.” Gael Barrera agreed with Lucca, and added that there were so many strategies, openings (the first move made in chess), and brain power used for each move.
Mr. McCormack said he learned to play chess while lifeguarding. “Chess is just a way for me to relax and not think about anything but the chessboard and the moves.” The Chess Club was started in 2022 with a grant from the Greater East Hampton Education Foundation. He encouraged kids to keep playing the game, even with someone who is better at it than they are, because losing is a great way to learn more about how to play.
By Samantha Moscoso Farfan, Grade 6