In the fall of 2021, four Emmaus High School students began the process to develop a chess club.

Dr. Mike Waddell, former East Penn School District principal and vice principal, volunteered to serve as club adviser. With the support of Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell, former EHS Principal Dr. Kate Kieres and mathematics teacher Maggie Zayaitz-Ruhf, the club was founded in November 2021.

Waddell researched competition possibilities and discovered a high school chess league. The EHS Chess Club members formed a team that in November 2022 competed in the Eastern Pennsylvania Chess Conference. That year between 30 and 40 students played weekly. Matt O’Brien, a National Chess Master, has consistently helped the players hone their skills. The team’s record was 7-2 for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons.

As described by Waddell, the 2024-2025 season was even more impressive.

“[The students] took their work seriously and crafted a very impressive 8-1 record narrowly missing a playoff spot for the league championship.

“Ten players … went to the PA Scholastic Chess Tournament in Hershey … and the team won the U1000/Unrated section division championship and six players won individual trophies.”

Ethan Park was a standout, winning all five of his matches.

Bob Keller, EHS special education teacher, joined Waddell in coaching the team and will assume the role of club adviser in the 2025-2026 school year.

Instrumental in establishing the team, Waddell departs with fond memories and great pride in what his players accomplished.

At the club’s last meeting for the year, Waddell sponsored a pizza party and presented a sign which will hang above the door of the club’s meeting room.

It is now officially the Chessatorium.