(L to R): Aidan Ellis, Nate Landon, Nathan Britton, Ethan Hart, Bradley Landon, Alex Musafarov, and Sukumar Paidi
The Vidalia High School Chess team had a good showing in the Georgia Chess Association's 2024 High School State Tournament held March 16th at Georgia Gwinnett College.
This State tournament had 19 very strong Chess teams from throughout Georgia, and the VHS team competed well with 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw against a highly skilled Whitefield Academy team. Their record of 3-1-1 actually tied VHS with two other teams for 3rd place, but the tie-breaking system moved the Indians to 5th in the state of Georgia.
Earlier this year, the VHS CHESS Team won first place in their Region for the second year in a row, and their goal to improve on their 4th place finish in 2023 was actually achieved by tying for 3rd place.
These players performed well against several tough teams, and four of the five players are returning to compete in the 2024-25 Chess season and State Tournament. Senior Sukumar Paidi ended his high school competitive chess career with a great game in round 5 against the two-time National Champion from Whitefield Academy.
VHS Chess Club sponsor Bobby George expressed appreciation to Mr. JA Youngblood for working with the players and to the parents for their support and encouragement throughout the season.
