They went for the experience of a national chess competition, but ended up walking away with one of the top placements in their skill-level bracket.
Six members of the Inman Elementary Chess Club competed in the 2016 K-6 National Chess Championships in Nashville and placed fourth in their first official national tournament sanctioned by the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
The team members are Dean Hales, Gavin Frazier, John Carter Keller, Allie Ball, Bryce Bennett, and Lockie Morton. They battled against 11 others in the “Unrated “ bracket, reserved for those with no prior experience playing in a USCF event. The team received a trophy for the fourth place victory, and each member was presented with a plaque.
Their coach and founder of the Inman Elementary Chess Club, Charlie Harper, says the students brought their best and played hard to earn one of the top awards at their first national event.
“We went for the experience, with no real expectations other than learning and having fun. It was a remarkable achievement, and I am so proud of them,” said Harper. “I hope our experience and accomplishment will motivate others to take up the game and join the Inman Chess Club.”
Approximately 2,400 elementary and middle school students from across the United States and other countries competed in the championship.
Harper says he also wants to commend the parents and grandparents of the team members who sacrificed a lot of time and money, providing their own transportation and accommodations, and serving as full-time chaperones for three full days and nights.
“They helped make our dream and vision a reality, and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
On the front row, from left: Dean Hales and Gavin Frazier.
Back row: Inman Elementary teacher Tess Keller, John Carter Keller, Allie Ball, Bryce Bennett, Lockie Morton and Charlie Harper.
