The Webster University Chess Team has taken its honors to the next level. The Webster Groves City Council recently announced April 23 as “Webster University Chess Team Day.” The proclamation was made to award the team for its third consecutive national collegiate chess championship.
Webster Groves Mayor Gerry Welch presented the declaration to Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence (SPICE) coach Susan Polgar, President Beth Stroble and members of the chess team at the City Council meeting on April 21.
SPICE has been the highest ranked college chess team for the past three years. It was also undefeated in competition during that time.
The team’s latest national championship was in New York City, winning the President’s Cup challenge. This win set a new record for Polgar because it is the first time that a person has coached five consecutive winning teams—three at Webster and two at Texas Tech University.
The team has also contributed to the community by working with Webster Groves School District and teaching students chess skills and how to apply them in the classroom. The team is also offering chess summer camp for ages 6 to 18 and a chess advisory program on Friday evenings.
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