Thomas Metcalf School’s Chesscats spent the end of spring break in Schaumburg for the 2014 Illinois K-8 Chess Championships.

Twelve Metcalf students were among 676 competitors from across the state. The Lower Primary (K-1) team did extremely well by taking 2nd Place Team, only one-half point away from a state championship. Congratulations to Cole Matejka, Max and Cecilia Wille, Addy Thome and Augie Rader.

Three First Grade Chesscats placed in the overall Top 25: Cole Matejka (14th Place), Max Wille (23rd Place), and Addy Thome (24th Place). Upper Primary (2nd-3rd) also excelled, placing 5th Place Team. Great job to Pierce McDade, Kale Rader, Peter Elzanati and Henry and Montgomery Gold. Pierce McDade won 6 of 7 matches and placed 3rd Place out of 197 players. Kale Rader also earned a trophy in his ratings class. Fourth-graders Shrikar Lekkala and Connor Frey made Metcalf proud in the Elementary (4th-5th) division.

Finally, we were very excited to learn that Coach Pete Karagianis was one of two coaches named Coach of the Year for the state. We are very lucky to have both Coach Pete and Coach Mark Nibbelin. They both do a wonderful job with our students.

On April 2, Metcalf will be hosting a celebration of the year learning and having fun with chess. Thank you to all the students, coaches and parents who have made 2013–2014 another great year to be a Chesscat.