The Mount Carmel chess team is doing quite well this year.  Coached by Mr. Michael Korenman, the team placed second in its conference this year.

According to senior Abdel Raoul, the team has better chemistry this year compared to last, when it placed fourth.

Raoul, who plays board one, is generally pleased with this year’s success. “I am doing pretty good, but have a couple losses on the resume.”  However, Raoul noted, “We have harder competition this year for regionals, sectionals and state.”

The Catholic League conference tournament occurred on Saturday, January 12, when the Caravan took 2nd place.

According to Raoul, “We just barely came up short to St. Ignatius. We all played well individually and had fun.”

Raoul is optimistic about the future for MC chess. “Even though seniors are moving on to do better things, we still have a strong team for the next few years.”

This year’s roster includes seniors Abdel Raoul, Tom Dart and David Gutierrez.  However, there is talent on the other levels, including juniors Eric Ramirez, Luis Avila, Luke Skertich and Xandru Borst; sophomores Will Quinton, Michael Mota, Miguel Hernandez and Aidan Cavallini; and freshmen include Nolan Fletes and Daniel Walsh.