This past Saturday, April 21, the Stuart Hall Chess Team traveled to Baton Rouge to defend their State Champion Title. The newer K2 team (Patrick Avin '23, Grayson Bent '23, Mike Graugnard '23, Liam Hollard '23, Race Hughes '23, Austin Janusa '23, Parker Rooney '24, August Sauska '23,Dave Vandenweghe '25, and Eli Weber '24) played well and steamrolled their competition to win the K2 State Team title with 16 points to rival Lusher's 10.5 points and TS Cooley's 10.5 points. Individually, Patrick Avin placed 2nd, Mike Graugnard placed 5th, Austin Janusa placed 6th, August Sauska placed 7th, Race Hughes placed 9th, Grayson Bent placed 10th, Parker Rooney placed 13th, Dave Vandenweghe placed 20th, Eli Weber placed 21st, and Liam Hollard placed 35th.
The K4 Team, our veteran team (Declan Albro '22, Charlie Avin '22, Ryan Avin '21, CJ Encalarde '22, John Michael Maristany '22, Grady Miles'22, Connor Rooney '22, and Kennon Russo '22) continued their dominance in State chess competition and won their 3rd consecutive titlewith 15.5 points, beating out rivals Lusher (13.5) and Airline Park (13). Individually, Charlie Avin was a perfect 5-0, scoring 5 points to earn hissecond individual state title, this year as Co-Champion. John Michael Maristany earned 10th place, Aidan Hollard placed 11th, Connor Rooney placed 13th, Ryan Avin placed 14th, Grady Miles placed 18th, Kennon Russo placed 22nd, Declan Albro placed 25th, and CJ Encalarde placed 30th.
This was a fantastic, historic year of achievements for this strong team, sweeping K2 and K4 City League to win City League titles three years in a row, and a three-peat at State. Thank you to all Stuart Hall chess players for the great heart that they continue to show! Congratulations on your amazing success, and let your success be a reminder of what hard work, perseverance, and mindful dedication can bring. We thank and commend Coach Jeff York and Assistant Coach Al Pearson for their leadership. Well done, Knights!
