FHS Chess Team Makes Move Toward Top Spot in County Tournament

The Freeport High School Varsity Chess Team, having placed fourth last year in the Nassau County Interscholastic Chess League, is making its move toward a top berth this year. In its first outing, the six-member team defeated a former Nassau County chess championship team from The Portledge School.

"This is the strongest team we’ve had in the eight years since we started the program," said Chess Team Advisor Paul Dooher, a high school science teacher. The teams play eight games; in addition to Freeport, teams from nine public school districts and four private schools compete in the games, with six matches constituting one game.

Freeport’s six-man team consists of Captain Juan Benavides (who served as captain of last year’s team as well), Luis Malave, Marin Nunez, Chris Jimenez, Tyree Early and Jeff Rodriguez. All are seniors except Early, who is a junior.