AFA cadets win 1st place in service academy chess tournament

  • Published
The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chess team brought home a first-place trophy Oct. 21 after winning the 50th Annual Armed Forces Open held Oct. 10-12 in Gettysburg, Pa. 

A team of six Air Force Academy cadets outmaneuvered a team of 13 players from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to claim the Commander-in-Chief trophy. The Air Force Academy's victory ended a six-year losing streak to West Point. 

"By capitalizing on our strongest players, we had the right mix of players to score the most points against the Army," said Capt. Gerardo Neri, officer in charge of the AFA chess team. "I am so proud of our cadets' accomplishments. They all worked hard and practiced daily to get ready for this tournament. I observed how much time they studied chess strategies and tactics together." 

Five out of the six cadets earned individual honors during the tournament, including Cadet 3rd Class Jeremiah Haynes, who won "Top Cadet" in the overall cadet category. 

"Our relentless study of mid- and end-game tactics proved too much for West Point to handle this year. We outmaneuvered and outclassed them after the opening moves," said Cadet 1st Class James Greener, who took second place in the Class C category. 

More than 50 people competed in the tournament, including active duty members, reservists and retirees. The event was held at Gettysburg National Military Park.