Rye sophomore Connor Galvez was the overall winner of the 57th annual New York State High School Chess Championship, held March 15-16 in Saratoga, N.Y.
The New York State tournament, the longest-running of its kind in the U.S., is considered one of the most competitive scholastic chess events in the nation.
Competing against top players from across the state, the team — Galvez, Tayga Vural, Kasper Hurst, and Zachary Ramsey — delivered an impressive performance under the guidance of coach Felix Lopez.
Zachary Ramsey secured first place in his rating section, and the team’s collective efforts earned them a third-place finish.
While Rye High School does not have an official chess team, the unofficial team came together for the second year in a row to represent the school. They also co-founded the Rye High School Chess Club, welcoming students of all skill levels.
Lopez, a chess expert with a track record of leading teams to national titles, has been instrumental in their success.
