HPHS Chess Team Headed for National Tournament

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - The Highland Park High School Chess team will take part in the National Tournament in Atlanta over spring break after finishing fourth at the IHSA state tournament over President’s Day weekend.

“Our Giants were the envy of coaches and teams everywhere due to their preparation, hard work, and sportsmanship. All played incredibly well and the hundreds of hours of preparation, attending practice, and participating in over nine tournaments paid off incredibly,” said coach Pablo Alvarez, who was named the ‘Coach of the Year’ by the Illinois Chess Coaches Association. “I told them from the start that if we intended to make our mark at the state tournament, we would have to dedicate countless hours to practice and to compete. They have not disappointed one bit.”

Arda Sonmez, Joey Harrigan and Jonathan Hrach won medals for winning at least six of their seven matches at the IHSA Tournament. Eamonn Moore, Eric Starkman, Jeffrey Guerrero, Julio Deyta, Kevin Czajka, Patrick Tippens, Zach Warsh, Ben Pacheco, Matthew Dennison, Edgar Lara and Elkin Alvarez also contributed for the Giants.

Alvarez said he is “honored” to receive the state coaching honor and “to join a very good group of amazing coaches who have made their mark with chess from across Illinois over the years and who I look up to quite a bit.”

“For me, it’s always been about the team and doing all that is needed for them to improve, get better, and provide those opportunities needed for them to compete,” he said. “For me, this award exemplifies (the team’s) diligence and commitment to be one of the best teams in Illinois. All I have done is provide them the opportunity to put for their best. Our team is truly the envy of other coaches.”

According to the Illinois Chess Coaches Association website:

“No coach in the state has worked harder than Pablo Alvarez this year. His team has won more varsity matches than any team in the state. His dedication, passion, and sacrifice for his kids has been evident week after week as Highland Park has attended nine tournaments this year.”

The diversity of Alvarez’s team was also praised.

HPHS “crosses socioeconomic and racial lines into a top ten team in the state that cares about and mentors each other.”