January 28th Scholastic Qualifier Summary
by Peter Lee

The qualifier held in Natick on Jan 28th was a huge success with 103 scholastic players playing 4 rounds. There were 5 sections 10-12 (3 players), 7-9 (18 players), 4-6 (35 players), K-3 (22), K-6 under (24-26 Players). It was the best turnout in years, except for HS section.

4 players qualified for the state finals, with Nik winning (7-9) he had won Palmer, and was already qualified/ Chris Williams wins 4-6, Jason Stoll, and another for K-3, and Eric Burgess for 10-12.

Many people made this tournament possible, including Mike Hoffpauir, in organizing the rules and acting as co-coordinator. Tong Gavelis deserves a big hand for being registrar, handling the advance and at-the door entries. BTW 60 advance, and 40 at the door.  Joel Johnson was TD, create pairings very quickly, and continued throughout the day in a hectic pace, to keep up with all the sections. Steve Frymer, Joel Aronson asst coach from Natick and Peter Lee help monitor the three tournament rooms. Gus Gosselin ran a bookstore. There are many others, some I might not even know their names.

There were about 25 players from Natick, which represents about 25% of the entries.

Revenues were in the range of $2100 to $2200, finally accounting not yet finished by Tony Gavelis. Much is USCF dues and MACA dues.

Overall, it was a super tournament on Superbowl Sunday