STILLMAN VALLEY — The Stillman Valely chess team completed a successful season by placing seventh in the IHSA State Chess tournament in the Class 1A division, 79th overall out of 130 teams that participated in the largest high school chess tournament in the United States. More than 450 games were played at the same time in the Peoria Civic Center main room. Seven rounds over a two day period were played by the participating teams.

Leading the way for the Cardinals at state was Hunter Winstead with a five win, one loss, one draw record to secure a 10th place finish on board 8, placing 10th out of 203 eighth board participants and receiving a medal for his efforts.

On board one, Kyle Mazeika won four matches. Derek Van Briesen won four matches on board two. Nicole Feldhaus won two matches on board three. Sean Conderman won four matches and had a draw to place 30th out of 133 on board four. Charlie Holsinger won three matches and had a draw on board five. Josh Feldhaus won two matches on board six. Nick Palmeri won three matches on board seven.

Tyler Sasse went 1-1 as a reserve and Tony Kurt went 0 – 2 as a reserve.

Stillman Valley’s overall record for the season was 12 wins, five losses and one draw. Stillman Valley participates in the Northern Illinois Chess League. They placed third in conference and took home the third place trophy in the conference tournament. Top teams include Cary Grove and McHenry.

The team is coached by Carol Conderman and Phil Bratta.