CFHS wins Back-to-Back National Championships

For the second year in a row and the third time in four years, Catalina Foothills High School has won the National High School Chess Championship. This last weekend in Atlanta, a record turnout of high schoolers from all over the nation participated in the 3-day long, 7-round tournament.

The team was lead by seniors (both National Masters) Landon Brownell and Vaishnav Aradhyula, who each finished tied for 6th place with 5.5 points. Also on the team were Kevin Zhang (4.5 pts.), Eli Alster and Victor Yee (4 pts. each), Jenelle Wallace (3.5 pts) and Matthew David (2 pts). Only the top 4 scores on a team count for team standings. Catalina Foothills High School finished in clear first with 19.5 points, just .5 points ahead of Thomas Jefferson HS from Alexandria, VA.

In 2005 and 2007, Catalina Foothills finished tied for first place, but with higher tie-breaker points than Edward R. Morrow High School from New York.

Also from Arizona
Team -
Gilbert High School (Tied for 4th Place)

Individual -
Ashu Thakur from University High School (Tied for 23rd Place)
Kaylan Burleigh from Gilbert High School (Tied for 23rd Place)
Jonathan Cox from Salpointe Catholic High School (Tied for 45th Place)
Amanda Mateer (Tied for 45th Place)
Nick Thompson from Gilbert High School (Tied for 45th Place)
Daniel Schucker from Gilbert High School (Tied for 45 Place)

Complete Standings are available at USCF.