On November 8, the Norwin Knights Chess Club traveled to Penn Trafford High School for the first tournament of the 2024-2025 season. The Knights Chess Club also engages in online competitions with other schools in the region, in which they hold strong records of 5-3 and 4-4.
In their Penn Trafford tournament, chess students played a Swiss-style tournament. Swiss is a competition style in which players are not eliminated, rather, wins serve as points and the team with the most points at the end of a set number of rounds is crowned the victor. At the end of the four rounds of this tournament, Norwin’s team tied for second place, with Kiski Area High School inevitably winning the full tournament. Some of the Knights’ standout performances include Sean Stukus, and Aaron Goettler, who both went 3-1, contributing to the Knights earning 13.5 out of 18 possible points.
“We lost, but, it was fun. We got to meet new schools, which was a cool experience. It’s a fun thing we do every year,” said senior club member Isiah Ganster.
During online competitions, three Norwin students play students from another school, and the team with the best record in these three games earns the win for the match. There are two of these chess teams, an “A” team consisting of Henry Peters, Isiah Ganster, and Tyler Davis, and a “B” team featuring Finnian Cunning, CJ Elliot, and Jacob Chen. The A team currently posts a record of 6-2, while the B team holds strong with a 4-4 record. Both teams are currently in playoff contention.
“I feel alright, I think that I’ll be able to clutch up for the team for the playoffs. I’ll do it for Isaiah and Tyler,” said senior A-Team member Henry Peters.
Every Monday, after school, chess students meet up in the library conference room to hold their meetings. Students of all grades and skill levels gather together and play friendly matches. Typically, chips and candy are available for students to eat while they play. Chess meetings consist of competitors and hardcore chess players, as well as casual players just searching for a good time.
“Chess club is a great place to practice over-the-board chess consistently. I don’t really get practice like that outside of the tournaments,” said Peters.
The club is advised by Norwin Physics teacher Mr. Brandan Salany. Salany has been running the club since it originated in 2022, and hopes to continue for many more years.
“The chess club provides students an opportunity to play a game, but also provides an opportunity to participate in mind-challenging tasks. I mean, their goal in chess is to outwit their opponent. Even if it’s not highly competitive, playing chess can be really enjoyable,” said Salany.
Between their online matches, tournaments, and meetings, Norwin High School Chess Club is a great place for people of all ages to get together and enjoy some good old-fashioned chess. The club holds its meetings on Mondays in the library, where they practice for upcoming matches, eat snacks, and hang out with their friends. The team has one more in-person tournament remaining in the year, and their competition team eagerly prepares to make a run in the playoffs.
