Shamrock Chess Team Ties for Third in the state
February 12, 2008

The Saint Patrick chess team, behind strong performances by Matt Szulc and Dang Tran, finished 6-1, good for a third-place tie, in the Illinois High School Association Chess Championships on February 9, 2007. Szulc and Tran each won six of their seven matches, with Szulc competing on Board #3, and Tran on Board #6.

The Shamrocks opened the tournament with a 51-17 win over McHenry, but dropped a 40-28 decision to Glenbard West in their second match. From there, the Shamrocks rattled off five straight victories, defeating Romeoville by a score of 38.5-29.5, topping Elmhurst (York) 37.5-30.5, edging Wheaton-Warrenville South by a score of 36.5-31.5, beating Glenbard North 44-24, and topping Hinsdale Central 36-32.

In addition to Tran and Szulc, several Shamrocks enjoyed strong tournaments. Tom Zachar (4-0) and Marcin Michniowski (4-2-1) each won four matches, while John Egan went (3-3-1) and Mike Michalak (2-1-4) captured two matches.

The Shamrocks enjoyed a successful season under second-year head coach, Ron Wojnar, capturing their second consecutive Chicago Chess Conference Championship.