After losing many seniors and standout players from last year, the chess team is looking to have another outstanding season. Last year’s chess team went undefeated after competing against several different teams, including Midland Park and Passaic County Tech. Even though they are now a younger team, they hope to maintain their undefeated title this year.

A standout player and president of this year’s team is Jonathan Kane (‘15). He is a senior, and this will be his third year on the chess team. He has been playing chess with his dad ever since he was a little kid, so he has a lot of experience with the game.

“I joined this team because I love the game and it uses a lot of mind and strategy,” said Kane. “You get an opportunity to meet a lot of different people who bring many new strategies.”

He believes that he has gotten better after joining the team because everyone works together to teach others strategies that help them succeed in the game.

Along with teaching Biology, Advanced Biology, and Forensics at GRHS, Mr. Porciello is also the adviser of the chess team. He plays chess leisurely and got involved with the team because he really enjoys the game.

“Chess is a challenging and interactive game,” said Porciello. “It requires a lot of thinking in different ways.”

Besides being a very fascinating game, people can earn college scholarships by playing chess.

The chess team meets every Tuesday and Wednesday after school in room B153 and is looking for new members.