WARSAW — The 2016 Indiana State K-12 Chess Championships were held Saturday, Nov. 5, at Canterbury School in Fort Wayne.

Warsaw Community School was represented by players from Lincoln and Washington this year.

The participants competed in their grade levels against surrounding Indiana chess players. A total of 160 students competed from grades K-12. Each player played five pairings to determine the winners.

Warsaw Community School brought home many trophies from the tournament. In the second grade, Landon Ryser (Washington) won third place.

In the third grade, Ted Grandon (Lincoln) won first place, Ashlan Oliver (Lincoln) won third place and Charlie Norton (Lincoln) won fifth place.

In the fifth grade, Max Vinkemeier (Lincoln) won third place and Nate Anderson (Washington) won fifth place.

Coaches for Lincoln Elementary include Melinda Oliver and parent helper Stefani Vinkemeier. Washington’s team is coached by Jay Bolduc.

“Every tournament, I feel like the intensity on the kiddos’ faces gets deeper and more focused,” noted Coach Oliver. “I am so proud to see all Warsaw Schools players grow and learn new strategies as they win or lose at these tournaments. But what I am most proud of is the amazing attitudes these kids are displaying at the events towards other teammates and other schools. I believe those great attitudes are going to help them excel and succeed to the fullest of their abilities.”