Meet The School Custodian Who Has Coached The Chess Team To The Championships

Move over Queen's Gambit, because Dave Bishop is here to shake up the chess world with his very own Bishop's Gambit! (Okay, the joke will make more sense when you find out his name is Dave Bishop, but trust me, it's clever.) Let's dive into the world of this remarkable man who is not only a chess enthusiast but also a generally cool dude. Meet Dave Bishop, a part-time chess coach and custodian at George B. Weatherbee School in Hampden, Maine. But that's not all—he also serves as the coach for the Reeds Brook Middle School team nearby. Talk about dedication! Earlier this year, something extraordinary happened—both of Dave's teams emerged victorious at the Maine Scholastic Chess Championships. Now, if that isn't impressive, I don't know what is. But what makes Dave so special goes beyond his role as a custodian and coach. You see, Dave didn't just stumble upon his current job in early retirement after a career in telecommunications. No, he chose to take on the custodian position to be closer to what he loves: chess and inspiring young minds. And here's the mind-blowing part—he spends countless hours with his students every week, pouring his heart and soul into their growth and development, all without expecting a single penny in return. Now that's dedication in its purest form. But let's get back to the chessboard, because that's where Dave truly shines. As a coach, he not only imparts his deep passion for the game but also teaches his students the value of perseverance. And boy, does he have the star players to prove it. Just this weekend, Dave's team set their sights on Baltimore, Maryland, where they will be competing in the prestigious 2023 National Elementary Championships. The stakes are high, the excitement is palpable, and Dave's guidance will undoubtedly make a world of difference. One of Dave's brightest mentees is none other than 11-year-old Avery Zhang. This chess prodigy has already made waves in the chess community by being crowned the state champion for grades K through 5 this year. With Dave's tutelage and Avery's incredible talent, the sky is truly the limit for this dynamic duo. So, while the Queen's Gambit may have captivated audiences on Netflix, the real-life chess adventures of Dave Bishop and his talented students are just as thrilling. With his unwavering dedication, infectious love for the game, and the remarkable achievements of his team, Dave is proving that chess is not just a game—it's a gateway to personal growth, strategic thinking, and boundless possibilities. Get ready to witness the Bishop's Gambit unfold before your very eyes, because the world of chess will never be the same again.