Harding Chess Team--Competitive at States

On March 22 Harding Primary (K-3) and Elementary (4-6) Chess Teams competed at the State Finals in Cookeville after qualifying in the Regionals several weeks ago.  Each division had approximately 200 teams vying for the opportunity to qualify in their region in order to attend the state tournament.  Our Primary Team took 7th in the state and our elementary team took 14th.  This was a victory for Harding since last year our Primary team placed tenth in the state, and we did not have enough players to submit an elementary team.  In the 2012-13 school year the Harding Chess Program boasted a record number of 79 participants with 27 competing in tournaments. We look forward to continuing to develop our program by bringing in additional chess teachers and offering quality chess instruction in our summer camps from beginner through advanced levels of play.  We are proud of our Harding chess players and families for their commitment, and our respected standing in the Scholastic Chess Community.
Primary Team members were Ryan Schmadtke (Captain, 3), Eli Galentino (1), Fuller Hessel (K), Middleton Henry (2), Chase Fields (2), Sadie Cahoon (3).
Elementary Team members were Cole Cahoon (Captain, 5), Greydon Franck (4), Chase Franck (2), Ryan Estrin (3).