The Hull High School Chess Club kicked off its inaugural season in September and is going strong with 23 members across all four grades.

**CHECK MATES.** Hull High Chess Club member Will Hnath, left, competes against Cohasset High School student Dylan Jewell in the first chess tournament at Hull High School. [Photo courtesy of the Hull Public Schools]

Spearheaded by President Connor Hipp, Vice President Jake Smith, and Advisor Tara Grosso, the team meets regularly for weekly practices in the school library. The club competed in its first tournament at the high school on Oct. 12, during which the team competed in more than seven rounds against other local schools. Hull students placed second and third, while Cohasset High won the tournament.

Hipp’s inspiration for launching the club began after he served as a supervisor for the Hull Park and Recreation summer program in 2023, where camp attendees expressed interest in playing chess.

In September, Hipp began coordinating with Principal Michael Knybel to start the club. In addition to his role as president, Hipp is a member of the Physics Club, varsity baseball team, National Honor Society, and Project Humanitarian International.

Hipp also assists the school’s athletic department and serves as the Hull High School Intern Athletic Director. During his free time, he helps to train other students in the game of chess after school in the library.

“I would like to recognize Connor for his efforts to start a Hull High School Chess Club,” said Knybel. “Connor continues to go above and beyond his responsibilities as a student, and his work to create this club has helped to create an environment where students of all abilities and experience levels feel welcomed.”

The club plans to compete in its second tournament in the spring. Members include seniors Hipp, Smith, London Von Tungeln, Dylan Sabbag, Luke McDonnell, Dahlia Hedrick, Tristan Blake, Victoria Dolan, Emily Punchard, Alex Cooper, James Doty, Melanie Bodley, Bailey Her, Chase McDowell, Ruby Schultz, Kallen Creed, Sarah Duran, and Gabi Thomas; juniors Will Hnath, Jamie Luggelle, and Rebecca Timins, sophomore Jack Miller; and freshman Andi Deltuvo.

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