Last year, the Stroudsburg chess team was loaded with seasoned senior players, leading to a successful 2022-23 campaign for the team. This year has been different, though. After losing most of their varsity players, only four seniors returned for the team this season, Alex Morales, Jeremy Fanelli, Andrew Castro, and Hassan Malik. Sheri Stauffer, the varsity chess coach said, “Hassan Malik and Alex Morales have taken the lead in helping their new teammates. During practice, they show the others their blunders and ways to turn the game in their favor.”

Joining them this year are Jacob Bajek, 11, Chandler Lynch, 11, Santino Baxter, 11, Matt Sanchez, 11, Mohammad Malik, 10, Megan Lisnik, 10, Omar Osmanzai, 10, Patrick Visaggi, 10, and Duncan Ruschman, 10. Stauffer said, “Hassan, Alex, and Jeremy helping to build our team, we will be one of the top teams next year.”

This year has been a struggle for the team, losing many of their matches, but this is a rebuilding year.

When talking to Alex Morales, 12, he said “Morale is positive – teammates are focused on learning.” Learning and growing is the main goal for the team this year considering the struggle of not being able to play against others in person. Morales also admitted that he would much rather compete in person and that when playing virtually, “it messes with his board vision”.

The team is starting to gel with Jacob Bajek, 11, leading the ranks as the team’s best player.

Coach Stauffer also gave honorable mentions to Megan Lisnik, 10, and Duncan Ruschman, 10, who have “drastically improved in the short time since they started this season”.

Recently, the Mountaineers shut out Pocono Mountain East, 5-0, which is a huge accomplishment in chess. With their season coming to an end, they are sharpening their skills in hopes of a better 2024-25 season.