FDL STEM Academy Chess Teams Takes State Championship

On Saturday, April 20 in Wisconsin Dells, the Fond du lac STEM Academy Chess team captured the 2013 Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation State Championship. The team of Jared Ott, Sam Peterson, Noah Hoffman, and Oliver Kuphal scored 12-1/2 points edging Bayside Middle School by 1-1/2 points for the title. Gianna Trotter and Kaylee Radue also competed for the STEM Academy in the U300 section. Sabish Middle School also finished fourth place in the tournament.

 The state championship title highlighted a successful season for the chess team. Many of the team members just picked up the game in September and steadily improved throughout the year. The team competed in a variety of tournaments throughout the state during the past months. Over 30 students from the STEM Academy participated in at least one tournament during that same time span.

 The team’s season started in October and continued throughout the school year. The students play and learn chess on Friday mornings. Additionally, the team had practices on Thursday nights.  Students interested in learning chess or improving their game are invited to sign up for the summer chess program through the Fond du lac School District entitled, “Searching for Bobby Fischer!”  The course is targeted for students that are currently in third through fifth grades. 

WSCF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM pictured here (L-R) Oliver Kuphal, Jared Ott, Sam Peterson, Kaylee Radue and Noah Hoffman