On Saturday, February 8, Whitefield Academy teams competed in the K-8 Metro Atlanta State Qualifier Chess Tournament at the Cobb Galleria.
The experienced K-5 team walked away with the second place trophy after tying for first place with 21 points but taking second place on tie breaks. More than 50 teams were competing in the section for the chance to qualify for the state championship tournament. Zoe Justice (4th) and Drew Justice (2nd) were both undefeated on the day, earning five points each for the team. Jack Krahel (5th) and Rylie Keeble (4th) each contributed four points to the team score, while Jonathan Rhudy (4th) and Jake Petersen (5th) won three games apiece. The team was rounded out by Peyton Golden (4th). The second place finish qualifies the team to an automatic berth in the state championship held on March 23.
The Whitefield K-3 team was made up of eight second graders. Although less experienced than the K-5 team, the younger team played well and managed an 11th place finish out of a field of almost 50 teams. The team was led by Walker Paxton, Christian Wiggins, and Efetobo Aror who each earned four out of five points on the day. They were joined by classmates Trey Kantor, Bryce Bowling, Archer McBride, Brayden Parham, and Ryan Walker.
In the middle school section, Whitefield faced a field of 18 teams and took 8th place overall with a total of 15 points. The team also earned the Cobb County Championship as the top-finishing team for Cobb. Caleb Corliss (7th) was undefeated on the day, earning four points with three wins and two draws. Zachary Justice (7th) also contributed four points while sixth graders Everett Sinclair and Devin Wade each managed two and a half. The team was completed by Danny Megathlin (6th) with two wins on the day. Both the Middle School team and the K-3 team are expected to receive at-large bids for the state championship.
Although unable to field a full team, Whitefield first graders Kaitlyn Rhudy, Hannah Crisp, and Graham Hood participated in the K1 section, gaining valuable tournament experience for future years.
Congratulations to all our chess players who represented Whitefield, and good luck to the teams as they progress to the state championship!