KML Chess with best finish yet at 2022 WI State Chess Championships

The 2020 state meet was canceled a week before it was to happen. The 2021 state meet was virtual. In 2022, we had an opportunity to be back in action over-the-board. And it was great to be back. 

KML Varsity A team finished in third place in Division 2 at the WI State Chess Championships at UW-Oshkosh this weekend. The team includes: Board 1 Carson Reik, Board 2 Ryan Wirkkula, Board 3 Nate Guevin, Board 4 Sawyer Yogerst, Board 5 Nathanael Himsel. Carson Reik and Ryan Wirkkula each medaled with 3 wins in five rounds. This was the best finish for KML since 2018 when the team finished 5th in Division 2.

KML's Varsity B finished 4th in Division 3. Board 1 Matt Hilzley was undefeated in 5 rounds and was the D3 Board 1 State Champion. Zachery Schulz played Board 2 and his three wins were enough to earn D3 Board 2 State Champion. Board 3 Ian Janz, Board 4 Todd Tischer, and Board 5 Casey Heder all contributed to the team accomplishments. 

Julian Cook played competitively for the first time in the Junior Varsity section. 

This team could not have achieved what they did without pushing each other to get better. The camaraderie I saw in this team event was amazing. Thank you for the privilege of working with each and every one of you! 

While we bid farewell to senior Ryan Wirkkula, the future of KML Chess is bright. Ryan led this team well for four years. We're thankful for your leadership, Ryan! 

Angie Molkentin 

KML Chess Advisor

Varsity A Team beginning a round, wishing opponent good luck.

Matt and Zak finishing their games in Round 5 - Matt with a nice checkmate to go undefeated in 5 rounds.

Zak's teammates pulling for him as he finishes Round 5. This win meant he was D3 Board 2 state champ.

Getting some fresh air on the UW-Oshkosh campus.

KML Varsity A finishes 3rd in Division 2.

KML sent 11 players to the state tournament.

KML Varsity B finishes 4th in Division 3.

Individual awards: Carson Reik and Ryan Wirkkula medaled for achieving 3 wins. Matt Hilzley was the best of all D3 Board 1 players, winning all five of his rounds and was D3 Board 1 State Champion. Zak Schulz was the best of all D3 Board 2 players, winning 3 of his 5 rounds.

Julian Cook played competitively for the first time in the junior varsity section.

Varsity A before a round.

Silently cheering on Ryan as he finishes his Round 4 game.