COMMERCE CITY — The best team at struggling Adams City High School lacks a lot of things.
Name recognition, for one.
“A lot of schools, like Cherry Creek or Regis, they don’t even know where Adams City is,” said senior Guillermo Chavez.
And where are the cheerleaders?
“I wish,” said junior John Gordos.
For the past three years, this Adams team has qualified for the National High School Championship.
They’ve done so in an arena that demands every cerebral quality that players can muster: chess.
They have succeeded not only nationally but also locally in a school the state deemed a “low” performer where academic growth is on the decline. About 75 percent of the 1,300 students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches.
But coach Rick Russell – also a social studies teacher – said his squad members persevere because they are able to block out distractions.
“Chess demands that you be able to create and think ahead four or five moves in advance,” Russell said. “And to also recognize what evil your opponent is plotting against you.
“And these kids,” Russell said, “do a remarkable job.”
Senior David Vargas – a soft-spoken basketball player with a wry sense of humor – shrugs off his accomplishments. In April he finished fifth in the nation out of 310 competitors in the 1,200 rating division. A chess master is generally given a 2,200 rating or better.
Vargas did not lose a single game, winning five and earning a draw in two. One of the draws was to a player who eventually won the tournament.
Adams City has historically done poorly on the annual Colorado Student Assessment Program tests, which measure math, science and language skills, according to the Colorado Department of Education.
But that doesn’t mean students there don’t excel academically, said Adams 14 district spokesman John Albright.
“There are students who need other things to stimulate their minds, and like the chess team, they kind of operate below the radar,” Albright said.
Vargas especially liked the communal atmosphere provided by former coach Larry Grohn, who bought chess pieces and chess boards to get kids to play. Grohn retired last year and left the program to Russell.
This year the team has about eight players, including the squad’s first girl.
One day last week, Vargas squared off with teammate Nathan Bates in the back of Russell’s classroom.
“Look at him,” Vargas said while glancing at Bates. “He has no soul. … He gave it to me when he lost at chess.”
“He cheats,” Bates responded.
Gordos said only by playing can he get better.
“Books help, but not totally,” said Gordos, wincing as Chavez used his queen to stalk Gordos’ suddenly vulnerable king. “But eventually you just have to get down and play.”
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
