I am writing this post during the afternoon rounds of The Hawaii State Scholastic Chess Championships. My good friend Guy and I are running the Championships in the big hall at Windward community college in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Last evening we had two rounds for high school only. Today we are running all five sections. K-3, K-6, K-8 & K-12. The K-12 section has more time on their clocks, thus the reason for the extra day to complete all six rounds. This years high school section has become quite exciting. Pearl City High School and Punahou have dominated this division for the last several years. This year Mililani High School has joined them as a serious contender. Lead by 2-time National Champion Robert Lau and Ryan Palomares who has several State Champions titles himself. Filling out their ranks is my step son Daniel Macalino (offensive line for the football team) and our neighbor Daniel Strickland (wide receiver and former rugby player from New Zealand). Both Daniels are making a strong showing in the event. Mililani High School has never won the state title in the history of the school. Their top three players are 2-juniors and 1-freshman.
After the first 4 rounds Mililani High School and Punahou are tied for first place with 2-rounds to go. Both Robert Lau and Ryan Palomares are undefeated with scores of 4-0 each. In the fifth round they are matched up with tough opponents who also have state titles under their belts. The tournament looks to finish in a tight race.
In the K-8 Division, Mililani Middle School is leading after 4 of 6 rounds, hoping to also win their first state title in school history also.
In the K-3 Division my youngest son Jacob who is a 1st grader has a score of 3-1 and is fighting to finish in the top 1st grade spot. Last year he won the Kindergarten title. This year the competition has gotten much tougher.
The final standings will be posted at: http://www.hawaiichess.org/
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Randy L. Prothero, REALTOR®, ABR, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR
Century 21 Liberty Homes
Randy Prothero is well established as an expert in working with military / VA clients and first time home buyers. His home seller's (listing) campaign is one of the most aggressive marketing programs in the area.
Based out of Mililani, Hawaii. Randy services the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and the Leeward Regional Chairman of the Honolulu Board of Realtors. To improve overall professionalism in his area Randy also offers classes for real estate agents.
www.HawaiiRandy.com * Oahu (Honolulu County) Property Search * Hawaii Military Relocations
Randy,
What a great way to spend the day. This is such a good post... thanks for sharing it with everyone.
I never learned chess but understand the concentration, strategy, planning and reasoning required are great for the mind.
Ryan Realty - It was a blast.
Sally - Thank you
Neal - That would be a keeper. It is a shame you don't have it.
Jay - You can always play online.
Thesa - It has been a very positive thing for both of my sons.
Patricia - As a rule they are all good kids.
Cynthia - It is all of those things. For seniors it is also a way of fighting off Alzheimer 's disease.
George - They both took home state titles. My oldest Daniel's team (Mililani High School are the new State High School Champs. My youngest tied for his grade and is the 1st Grade Co-champ.
Congratulations on the results! I was wondering what the outcome was.
Frank - Thank you
Sharon - Chess does teach them many things. It is taught in some schools and they have higher academic results to prove the value.