The Neenah Chess Team competed in the State Scholastic Championships this weekend, March 19-20th. Neenah competed in the K-8 section, the High School Varsity, and Junior Varsity sections. Our middle school team consisted mainly of first-time competitors who enjoyed themselves and had a great learning experience.
Neenah's Junior Varsity team entered the final round on Sunday with a narrow 1/2 game lead for first place. Neenah's top four players finished strong, winning 3 1/2 games to take the State Championship by a 1 1/2 game margin.
Neenah's varsity team, who won the Division II championship in 2010, played in Division I where they entered the final round in a four-way tie for first place. Neenah had the toughest draw, facing perennial champions, Madison West. In a match that could have gone either way deep into the round, Neenah eventually lost and finished in fifth place. While the Neenah team was disappointed with the result, they should know that they have made their school and coaches proud with a tremendous run of success throughout the season.
