Trophy with a Bowtie: University Prep Science & Math Win Three Titles

Photo Kwabena Shabu

Among over 1500 teams that competed at SuperNationalsVI, a group with blue bowties stood out. University Prep Science & Math Middle School in Detroit picked up first place in two sections, the K-8 Under 750 and the K-6 Under 1400.

Kevin Fite founded the Detroit City Chess Club in 2003 and is the head coach at University Prep Science and Math. He shared some secrets to the team's success: goal setting and plenty of tactics on ChessKids.com. The team also valued the post game analysis with Grandmaster Aleksander Lenderman and former students.

Cameron Rector, Photo Kwabena Shabu

Cameron Rector of University Prep Science & Math Middle School led the K-8 Under 750 squad to victory with a perfect 7-0 sweep. Fite says one of the highlights for the whole squad was hearing that Rector had won his final round game: "Cameron is a extremely humble person. In fact, even after winning his 7th game in a row everyone seemed more excited than he was, which speaks to his humility. Cameron is a model player who pays close attention at every practice. He has a great support system with his parents Mike & Clara Rector."

Sa'Nya Burton scored 6/7 and ended in a tie for 4th place individually.

Kevin remembers one bittersweet moment at the end of the tournament, when team captain Kameron Wilson, an 8th grader, was sitting in a corner by himself with his head down. "I asked him why he was so sad, he stated that he is going to miss being on this team. All I could do was give him a hug and say 'You were a great leader and you'll always be a part of this team.'"

It's always a good day at SuperNationalsVI, Photo Kwabena Shabu

Also find a story on the team in the Detroit Free Press.

Browse full results at SuperNationalsVI here and check our twitter feed and facebook page for continuing coverage of the largest rated event in history.