All the pieces in play

Taking a look at the chess team's past successes

by Luke Lochmoeller health & sports editor

Ladue High School is very decorated, with award winning academics, record-breaking fundraising clubs and state titles across many sports. However, one club specifically has been on a state winning streak: the chess club.

“Our team has gone undefeated in league play,” chess club coach and Ladue teacher Zach Garrison said. “We won the Gateway League two years in a row. Then, we won state two years in a row. Two years prior to that they didn't have [state], then there was one year that there were no tournaments. The year before that they won as well. So technically, we've won three years in a row.”

Despite being a mostly individual sport, the Ladue Chess team takes pride in the camaraderie and sees the importance of having a strong friendship within the team.

“The chess team has taught me that you have to contribute to the team in order to win,” senior Andrew Stappenbeck said. “State, for instance, is all about the team, and making sure everyone does their part.”

Chess can be a stressful sport. It requires hard thinking, and the competitive nature can be draining. However, the closeness of the team combated this.

“I enjoyed playing this year because I was at a point where I was tired of the constant competition,” freshman Celina Zhou said. “The league matches are more casual and fun and I think helped rekindle some of my love for the game.”

As coach, Garrison takes pride in the strong team spirit of the chess club. The closeness of the team has contributed greatly to their constant success within competitive chess.

“I'm most proud that we are a pretty tight group,” Garrison said. “Everybody you know, helps each other get better and it's a fun group to be around."