Press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School
In a record-breaking performance, the Chess Club at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School achieved its best finish in the school’s history, during the Shore High School Chess League Championship Tournament on February 25.
RFH placed fourth out of 36 teams in the tournament, held on February 25 at Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. Chess Club Advisor and RFH Math teacher Kevin Pfister describes sophomore Nicholas “Nick” Alescio as the club’s “Top Dawg”.
“Nick is the highest-rated player on our team, and his work ethic both inside and outside of school is remarkable,” said Pfister. “Last year, Nick was our ‘fifth board’ – and after one year of hard work and determination, he has landed himself as our ‘number one board’.”
According to Pfister, the Chess Club provides an opportunity for RFH students to participate in friendly matches against their peers. As a Varsity Club, RFH competes each week against other schools in the Shore High School Chess League, with the top teams vying for a championship.
In addition to their historic finish at the Championship Tournament, the RFH Chess Club achieved a 2014/15 Regular Season record of 6-2. This was the best finish since 2007/08, and it earned the club a Second Place berth in the Fischer Division. The club’s Playoff record was 2-2.
Members of the 2014/15 Chess Club are Danny Alegria (Varsity Squad), Nick Alescio (Varsity Squad), Charlie Barnes (Varsity Squad), Jacob Black, Lizzie Boyce-Blanchard, Maggie Boyce-Blanchard, Justin Daluise, Theo de Quillacq (Varsity Squad), Jack Felice, Tristan Kilper, Peter Maris, Teddy Montalbano (Varsity Squad), Arnold Muralt, Logan O’Connell, Connor Placer, Cole Stevens (Varsity Squad), Alex Thomson, Alex Werner, Eli Weitzner, and Doug Young (Varsity Squad).
