Knight Raiders

Tech's Knight Raiders Chess Team flies high at competition
By Ashley Simpson AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Friday, March 14, 2008
Story last updated at 3/14/2008 - 2:18 am

The Knight Raiders Chess Team took second place at the 2008 Southwest Collegiate Championship in Houston last weekend - the best ever showing in team history.

Nearly 1,500 players statewide attended the competition. Texas Tech's team placed ahead of the University of Texas in Austin and behind the University of Texas in Dallas.

"We were playing against the No. 1 team in the nation, so I'm really stoked about (our win)," said Chase Watters, president of Tech's chess team. "We're hoping to get some international masters and grandmasters next year."

Team members Stephanie Ballom, Walter Albeldano and Bryan Pernes, along with Watters, brought home the second-place award.

Susan Polgar, head coach and director of Tech's Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence, said the award is a significant accomplishment for the community.

"It was a wonderful achievement for our students," said Polgar. "I'm very proud of them."

Polgar, winner of four Women's World Chess Championships, 10 Olympic medals and Women's World Chess Cup, said she hopes her team will continue to make Lubbock proud.

Ballom said Polgar is always there for the team to provide help and encouragement.

"Susan is an amazing coach," she said.

The team prepared for the event with relentless practice and weekly tournaments, said Albeldano.

"We've been working hard," he said. "I'm excited to be part of it."

Source: Avalanche Journal