On March 15, the Chanute High School chess team traveled to Emporia State University for the annual Kansas State Scholastic Chess Championship, taking home a third-place trophy and the Southeast Kansas title.
Out of the 165 players and 58 medalists, seven Chanute players medaled, including Eric Erbe in 12th place with 4.5 points. Players with 4 points were Nathan Studebaker in 23rd, Jacob Hurtado 24th, Benjamin Blakesley 30th and Ethan Burnett 39th. Brayden Baker and Logan Boeken scored 3.5 points, finishing 46th and 50th, respectively.
“What this team has done this year is nothing short of incredible,” said Coach Kyle Gregg in a post on Facebook. “We competed in 14 regular season tournaments, and we walked away with 13 first-place trophies and one second-place finish. To the parents and supporters: thank you. Your sacrifices, your time, your belief in these students, it makes all the difference. We could not do this without you.”
While this is the last scholastic tournament for the team this season, and the last scholastic tournament for two seniors, Brooklyn Espe will be participating in the Girls State tournament this weekend. Additionally, everyone who competed in this tournament will be given free admission to the Kansas Open, a state competition open to everyone in the state, regardless of age. The team said it has high hopes for next season, including incoming players and a goal to go to the national championship in Chicago.
