EQUIPPED with exceptional intelligence and determination, the SBCA Chess Team stands out in competitive chess. Solving complex chess puzzles and engaging in sparring games ensure that players master different chess strategies and techniques, whether they’re playing virtually or against opponents on a board.  

Academic Achievers with High IQ

     Chess is more than just a game—it is a powerful sport that develops a person’s intellect. Calculating turns, proper planning, and strategic analysis of each position challenge our minds and sharpen our problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. Studies have shown that playing chess can enhance cognitive abilities and IQ levels. Chess requires players to think several moves ahead and anticipate their opponent’s strategy. For the SBCA Chess Team, this intellectual growth can also be seen in their academic performance.

     THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed Coach Chester Caminong, the master behind the SBCA Chess team. He said, “As a coach, I give more importance to academics. In the chess game, I also encourage them to self-study their openings in addition to our practice every training session.” He mentioned what most people don’t know about the chess team—most players have high grades, believing that chess helps their studies, such as calculations, analysis, and planning.

     Coach Caminong also emphasized that their focus on academics and chess has led to impressive results, with many team members maintaining high grades. The discipline, cognitive, and analytical abilities required in chess are skills that naturally extend and reflect in their academic achievements.

Teamwork wins Championships

     Unlike many other teams, the SBCA Chess Team practices a dual approach of online and onboard face-to-face training sessions. Beyond regular training, the team takes part in invitational tournaments and tune-up games against other schools, preparing them for the intensity of actual competitions.

     While chess is often seen as an individual sport, the SBCA Chess team’s primary strategy is working together in all the tournaments they participate in, where they support and learn from each other. Their bond as a team strengthens their will to achieve multiple championships and awards in the annual leagues they participate in, such as the Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA), Private Schools Athletic Development Association (PRADA), Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South. Clinching the champion title in the recent leagues of WNCAA, PRISAA High School Girls and Boys Division, and 2nd runner up in the NCAA South.

     The team’s message to the Bedan community is evident. Coach Caminong said, “We will improve and strive to always get good results in the leagues or tournaments we participate in and even more so when we improve our training and practices.” 

     With the Red Lions’ utmost support, the team is more determined to make the Bedans proud and strive to excel again in the upcoming leagues of WNCAA and PRISAA in January 2025. The SBCA Chess Team is destined to achieve even greater success in the future far beyond the board—and as part of the community, the Bedans can show its support by anticipating their upcoming competitions.