The Chess Knights of Lincoln-Way Central are well into their competitive season. With three more conference matches the Knights are working hard to complete a perfect SouthWest Suburban Conference season.

“The team has presently won their first ten matches. The Knights have won the last six conference titles and 7 of the last 8. Over the course of two seasons the Knights have won 22 matches in a row,” stated Kevin Dailey, Lincoln-Way Central varsity chess coach and teacher sponsor.

Kevin is in his 9th year as head coach of the Chess Knights. He has been coaching chess for Lincoln-Way since 1987 at Central. Al Davenport and Mike Corey serve as Kevin’s assistant coaches.

The Chess Knights team board order is: Kevin Davenport, junior, plays first board; Dan Sim, senior, plays second board; Jacob Behm, senior, plays third board; Justin Suggs, junior, plays fourth board; Mike Suggett, senior, plays fifth board; Ryan Goebel, junior, plays sixth board; Adam Clark, junior, plays seventh board; and Sean McKenzie, junior, plays eighth board. Jake Settanni, senior, and Bill Byar, sophomore, are also team members of the Chess Knights.

“As a school we are proud of the strong tradition of excellence with our chess team. We wish them the best in their last matches before they go to the state competition,” stated Steve Provis, principal.

“When we go to the state competition, last year we won 5 matches. We want to at least repeat that record. Our real goal is to win 6 matches at state,” stated Kevin Davenport, junior.