Inaugural North Fork Chess Tournament Displays 'Strategic Brilliance'

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NORTH FORK, NY — For the first time, North Fork students faced off in a chess tournament that showcased their unique talent.

Mattituck Jr.-Sr. High School marked a new chapter in its extracurricular activities by hosting the inaugural interscholastic North Fork Chess Tournament. The tourney drew competitors from Mattituck Jr.-Sr. High School, Riverhead High School and Southold Jr.-Sr. High School, "creating an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and strategic brilliance," the district said.

Under the guidance of chess adviser John Albers and with assistance from Chris Strohsnitter, the tournament provided an opportunity for 24 students to engage in "intense" matches, the district said.

Competitors from Mattituck Jr.-Sr. High School included Jay Chen, Marlowe Collamore, Jack Driscoll, James Felakos, Tobias Howard, Mason Marengo and Declan Morris. Riverhead's team, led by adviser David Spinella, demonstrated exceptional skill, securing the top three positions. Southold's participants, under the direction of adviser Ivan Santiago, also showed a strong competitive spirit, contributing to the tournament's overall success.

The tournament wasn't just for the competitors; students flocked to watch during their free periods, with some even joining in for casual games and adding to the ambiance.

"Mattituck's own James Felakos delivered a commendable performance, reaching the final four," the district said.

Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, the emphasis remained on sportsmanship and the shared love of chess, school officials siad.

"All participants and observers enjoyed the event, making it a memorable experience. The successful tournament has laid the foundation for future chess competitions, fostering intellectual growth and camaraderie among the participating schools," the district said. "The event was a great success, and Mattituck High School looks forward to future tournaments."