Asheboro's own Jonathan McNeill

wins the NC State Scholastic Championship for 2008!

Jonathan's Games from the NC Scholastic

Jonathan began his journey less than two years ago at his first USCF rated tournament in Asheboro.  Since that time, he has made remarkable progress through a combination of club attendance, regular rated play, and a secret weapon that I will mention later.  It's hard to believe that he started with a rating of just 1033!

We are extremely proud to have him as a regular at both our club, and The Asheboro Open.

Jonathan's politeness and intelligence are remarkably obvious from the moment you meet him.  He has been a tremendous boost for our club, and never minds helping to teach the game he loves.  Most months, you will find him at The Asheboro Open early--where he volunteers to help with the thankless job of setup.  He also serves as an assistant TD, and is well versed in the rules of chess.

Jonathan's previous chess accomplishments include several first place finishes at The Asheboro Open, and first place in the Amateur Section at the 2007 SW Virginia Open.  He also gives everyone fits on Tuesday nights at The Ricochet, our monthly USCF rated Game/10 event.

So, what exactly is Jonathan's secret weapon?  I've loaned him at least twenty classic chess books, and this guy actually reads them.  I mean cover to cover.  Sometimes he reads them twice.  Some might  call him a Chess Geek for this; you can also call him Champion!

Way to go, Jonathan!  Next stop: EXPERT!

~Tom Hales