The Whitney Young chess team is preparing to make a run for the state title this season. They have sectionals this weekend, and then, if they qualify for the state tournament, which they have never failed to do during coach Paul Kash’s tenure, they will then travel to Peoria for the state finals on February 8th and 9th.

The team has finished well in the State Championship in the past, winning in 2016, and following up that result with a third place finish in 2017 and a second place finish in 2018. However, this year’s seniors are hungry for a win, being arguably the best senior class in the history of the event. No less than six of our seniors are expected to see action during the eight board event.

The team is expected to be the top seed in the tournament, ahead of Stevenson and New Trier, who will be their stiffest competition for the title. First board Matthew Stevens ‘19, when asked to rate the chances that the team fails to win, responded: “Hell no.” Second board Akhil Kalghatgi ‘19, voiced the opinion that while “the team is a clear favorite, upsets do happen.” He added that  “New Trier is definitely the team to watch out for this year”. Coach Paul Kash did not venture a pre-tournament prediction, but noted that “this year, like every year, the goal will be to have fun trying to win a state championship.”

The chess team practices in room 316 every day, after school. Come by and show your support for the players on the team and the coaches Mr. Kash and Mr. Swan!