Don’t call it a comeback.
The chess team of David A. Boody Middle School’s (IS 228) won the novice level at the 43rd Annual Greater New York Scholastic Chess Championships, marking the second year in a row that the squad has claimed that title.
The school, located at 228 Avenue S, also captured second place in the junior varsity competition. The two day tournament was held Jan.31 – Feb.1 in Manhattan’s New Yorker Hotel.
The team is led by Bruce Fuchs, who won national chess championships with the squad in 1999 and 2003, as well as two state titles and six New York City championships. Fuchs was coaxed out of retirement last year by Principal Dominick D’Angelo.
“We are delighted that Mr. Fuchs decided to come back to IS 228 after four years of retirement with the clear goal of returning our school to national chess prominence,” D’Angelo said. “He has an absolute gift for honing the talents and stoking the competitive fires of young chess players and we are very fortunate to have him back.”
Many chess players from the school have gone on to play at such chess powerhouses like Edward R. Murrow High School in Midwood.
“Mr. Fuchs makes it fun,” said Boody sixth-grader Brian Sapozhnikov, who won first place in the individual competition in the junior high novice class. “The biggest thing is that he taught me openings and end-game tactics.” Sapozhnikov has been playing chess for just two years.
Seventh-grader Ariel Chan, who finished in second place in the novice class, said Fuchs – like any great coach – gave him a lot of confidence going into the tournament. “I was not really nervous,” he admitted.
D’Angelo said the school is now looking for contributors to help raise $4,000 to send members of the school chess team to the New York State chess tournament in Saratoga Springs at the end of February. He said the trip was important to increase the players’ exposure to top-level competition. Donations can be made to the IS 228 Chess Team. For information, call the school at 718-375-7635.
