04.18.08 Seven players from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Maine made the trek to Atlanta, Georgia to participate in the National Senior High School Championships taking place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta from April 18 - 20, 2008. This seven-round G/120 tournament played in five sections, attracts the top high school players from across the country to compete for national titles. With two rounds down, Kurt Eyerer leads his teammates with 2.0 points. All other Bapst players have thus far scored 1 and 1.

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta, site of the National Senior High School Championships

Thanks to Andy Bryan, our ChessMaine.net reporter on the scene, for contributing to this report.

National Senior High School Championships
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
April 18 - 20, 2008

7SS, G/120.

5 sections:
K-12 Championship
K-12 Under 1600
K-12 Under 1200
K-12 Under 800
K-12 Unrated

Prizes: Trophies for at least top 25 players and 25 teams in each section based on attendance average during the past two years. All participants will receive a medal at the completion of the final round.

Also class trophies to the top three in the following classes:

K-12 Championships:
1600-1799;
1400-1599;
Under 1400.

Teams: A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score.

Main Event rounds:
Friday 1 pm, 7pm;
Saturday 9 am, 2 pm, 7 pm;
Sunday 9 am, 2 pm.

Opening Ceremony: 12:30 pm Friday.

Awards: 7 pm (approximate) Sunday.

John Bapst High School Chess Coach Bob Solinger bones up on a position during the Bangor - Atlanta flight.

Downtown Atlanta, Georgia

The John Bapst Chess Team (from left on bed): Zach Smith, Kurt Eyerer (from left standing): Omar Khan, Coach Bob Solinger, Daniel Honeycutt, Aaron Spencer, Fritz Eyerer and Maggie Bryan.

Got Trophies?

The Tournament Hall

Off to a flying start: Kurt Eyerer has 2 points in 2 games.

Omar Khan

Fritz and Fritz: Chess-in-the-School instructor Fritz Gaspar (left) analyzes with Bapst top board Fritz Eyerer.

Stay tuned for further reports as the tournament progresses.