Orono chess team takes 2nd place in Penobscot, eyes state competition

ORONO – Under the leadership of coach Fred Irons, the Orono High School chess team was undefeated in the Penobscot Valley Chess League’s regular season for 2007-2008. In a new format, Orono finished the season with 14 points followed by Bangor High with 9 and John Bapst Memorial High School with 5.

By season’s end, Orono’s team lined up in the following board positions: 1. Germaine Kickert; 2. Gabe Borland; 3. Max Winter; 4. Nick McKenney; 5. Avery Cole; 6. Nikolai Renedo; 7. Emmett Harrity; 8. Ryan Vienneau; 9. John Robinson; 10. Nigel Kass.

Orono took second place in the Penobscot Valley Chess League tournament Jan. 28 and will compete next at the state scholastic chess championship tournament at the University of Maine on Saturday, March 8.

Team tournaments will be held for high school, junior high and elementary levels.

The team also has joined Orono High School’s service learning program. Developing age-appropriate chess instruction plans, Orono High School chess team members may choose to fulfill the 30-hour volunteer portion of their service learning graduation requirement by mentoring the Asa Adams School’s chess club.

Gabe Borland and Nick McKenney have completed their mentoring service and Ryan Vienneau has begun his mentor volunteering.