The Stroudsburg Chess team wraps up its 2024-2025 season with a record of 6-4-1. In a season many thought would be a rebuilding year, instead, Stroudsburg proved to be competitive and exceeded expectations.
Stroudsburg came into this season with six new members and only five seniors. Some feared after last season’s struggles, the trend would carry over into this season.
This seemed true after a tough loss to Pocono Mountain West 2-5. However, after three consecutive wins, Stroudsburg found themselves at the top of the District 11 standings. After two tough losses, the team sat at 3-3 halfway through the season. These losses, however, would be the last the team would see until their final match.
The team moved to the top of the standings throughout the season and was motivated. Stroudsburg finished in third place in the District 11 Mountain standings and sixth place overall in District 11.
The team maintained their composure and motivation. The main team consisted of seven players but 6 others filled in at times. A big congratulations to Jacob Bajek, ’25, 3-6-2, Duncan Ruschman, ’26, 7-4, Matthew Sanchez, ’25, 5-5, Mason Ulmer, ’27, 7-2-2, Jacob Pachter, ’27, 7-4, Megan Lisnik, ’26, 8-3, Claire O’Donnell, ’25, 3-6, Duncan Casebolt, ’27, 5-2, Santino Baxter, ’25, 8-1, Omar Osmanzai, ’26, 3-1, Ethan Sandoval, ’26, 0-0-1, Patrick Sandoval, ’26, 0-2-1, and Zishan Sheikh, ’25, 0-2-0.
Unfortunately for Stroudsburg, they will be losing five of its seniors, two of those being the number one board all season Jacob Bajek and Santino Baxter who finished with the best record on the team overall. Even with the departure of these five, the team will be left in good hands with the majority of the team returning next season.
The team has one last conference on Feb. 6, the EPC championships will be held at Parkland High School. Though they will be competing at EPCs, it will not count towards the final record.
Coach Stauffer commented on the 2024 season and the team’s resilience. “
“It was a great season. Many players learned to not give up which led to our success.”
— Coach Stauffer
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