Chess teams from five schools advanced to national competition, returning home with trophies for their efforts. They include Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary, Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary, Miller Jordan Middle School, San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy and San Benito High School.
Principal Dilia Cornett said members of the Dr. C.M. Cash Elementary Chess Team garnered a spot at the 2016 National Junior High Championship Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana. Team members include Matthew Izaguirre, Rayana Lopez, Kaitlynn McNutt, Lindsey Montemayor, Baldomero Martinez, Ociris Salinas, Lorena Segura and Marcus Suarez. Coaches include Colt Smith, tutor Brandon Flores, and Afterschool Program site coordinator Laura Hees.
Students from Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary placed twenty-seventh in the K-8 Division at nationals after competing at the 2016 National Junior High Championship Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana, according to Principal Elsa Lambert. Members include Isaiah Briones, Christien Garza, Luna Bautista, Julio Martinez, Gabriel Covarrubias and Luis Miramontes. Chess sponsors are Genoveva Covarrubias and Mandy Martinez. Their coach is Roberto Miramontes, and the Afterschool site coordinator is Albert Farias.
The Miller Jordan Middle School chess team competed at the 2016 National K-9 Junior High Championship Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they placed tenth. Principal Bobbie Jo Hushen reports that team members include Romeo Garcia, Jacob Reyna, Jeremy Sauceda, Ilse Bautista, Alan Ortiz, Omar Salinas, Angelica Vasquez, Reyna Bautista and Jose A. Perez. Roberto Miramontes serves as their coach. Teresa Padilla is the secondary chess coordinator.
San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy chess members placed sixth at the 2016 National Junior High Championship Tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana. Team members include Maverick Reza, Polo Stein, Elias Vasquez, Bryan Guevara, Lillian Salazar, Phillip Stein and George Morin. Principal Gilbert Galvan reports that the coach is Manuel Gonzalez and Teresa Padilla is the secondary chess coordinator.
The San Benito High School chess team placed ninth in the K-12 (Under 1900 Division) at the 2016 National High School Championship held in Atlanta, Georgia. Principal Henry Sanchez reports that team members include Miguel Vasquez, Fabian Olivares, Jacob Sauceda, Jacob Cavazos, Jose L. Diaz, Ernest Quintanilla, Aaron Saldaña and Robert Torres. Their chess coach is Erick Vallarino and Yanira Vigoa Apecheche. Cynthia Rystedt is the Afterschool Site Coordinator.
For more information on the chess program at San Benito CISD, please contact the Afterschool Program Department at 956-361-6450.
