May 19, 2017
Rutherford County Schools
Seventeen members of the Central Magnet chess program played in U.S. Chess SuperNationals VI.
There were 5,577 players from 49 states, making the event the largest Chess event in history, according to a press release. This year's event took place, in Nashville, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
Three Central students won individual trophies in their divisions and a pair of Central groups earned team trophies.
"Central Magnet outperformed every other Tennessee team in each of our divisions," said Nick Horton, faculty sponsor for chess. "We are so proud of all of our players. They rank among the best in the United States and represent Rutherford County Schools with pride and excellence."
Eric Ramsay, an 11th grader from Central, tied for second place in the nation. However, a tie-breaker earned him third place out of 490 players for the K-12 under 1600 division. His team took 36th place and included Morgan Elrod-Erickson, Joshua Stueckle, Micah Warren and Edgar Lozano.
Chandler McCook, a ninth grader, secured 13th place out of 220 players for the K-12 under 800 division.
Other members of McCook’s team were Meleah Lanier, Eli Barlar, Lisbeth Lozano and Miguel Beristain. Their team finished 10th in the nation, according to chess coach Igor Zhislin.
Joshua Guaz won 35th place out of 379 players in the K-8 under 750 division. His team finished 24th and included Charlie Mack, Luke Duran, Nathaniel Carter, Jon Wich and Matthew Feragola.