By Amanda Foust
Carmel High School’s Chess Team is back on top with another checkmate at this year’s State Championship in Terra Haute on March 21. The team was comprised of Kevin Mi (Senior), Samuel Philleo (Sophomore), Joseph Philleo (Junior), and Matthew Pittler (Sophomore). The teams were closely matched, but, with great focus, Carmel ended up winning by half a match point in the end.
Joseph Philleo said, “I think that when it came down to it in the final round, we were just the more determined team and that’s what really enabled us to win.”
The Philleo brothers have been playing chess since they were six years old and would say they are equally matched opponents. They have spent this year leading the chess club with the main objective being to learn and have fun.
When entering the championship, the team was uncertain about their chances for a win. In years past they experienced more confidence, but this year they were hoping to simply do their best. The championship game was against Canterbury High School. Joseph Philleo explained that the statistics showed the odds were against them but they worked hard and overcame.
The entire team worked hard against the odds. Joseph said, “The team had began the last round hoping for a draw and ended up sweeping the highest rated High School Chess Team in the state!”
What sets Carmel Chess Club apart from other clubs is their desire to keep things fun and enjoy the game above all else. They each enjoy the process of playing the game and exploring the intricacies of chess in such a way that allows the enjoyment to trump the skill and victory. This helps the team work great under pressure and win matches that ultimately give Carmel the State Championship title!
Joseph said, “To everyone reading, I encourage you to find something that you really enjoy doing, even if it’s just a 64-squared board game, and do that thing simply because you enjoy doing it. And who knows, you may even end up winning an award for it eleven years later!”
