Barrington chess team is runner-up at state

The Barrington High School Chess Team competed at the Illinois State Chess Tournament Feb. 12 and 13, drawing against the winner. In spite of winning every match, they ended up taking second place out of 118 teams.

In this time of COVID, each team played all seven games at its own high school with their coaches observing social distancing and wearing masks. The Barrington High School team tied for first place, but lost on tie break points.

Barrington High School Coach Jeff Doles said, "I have been a chess team sponsor for 20 years, but this was the most dramatic and intense finishes I have ever experienced."

Team members were: Shreya Mangalam, Shreyas Reddy, Ethan Gagliano, Jack Bradley, Jimmy Zhang, Carter Whaley, Brian Edels, Jacob Devadas, and Michael Gwozdz, who was an alternate.

Barrington High School team members are also involved as assistant coaches at local chess tournaments and social entrepreneurs at Chess Without Borders, raising more than $186,000 for local and global charities through hosting chess events.

Special thanks also goes to GM Yury Shulman and Barrington High School's Coach Hawrysco for the team's performance and success.

The Barrington High School Chess Team was also the Mid Suburban Tournament Champion this year.