In 1983, Brian Ribnick began coaching the chess team at Burnsville's Metcalf Junior High with a lofty goal: to be the top junior high chess program in the country.
After 30 years, thanks to a passion for young people and the game, it may be time for Ribnick to declare a "checkmate."
In addition to building the state's most successful junior high program, Ribnick has helped foster a focus on chess across the entire Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district.
With 81 members, Metcalf ranks as Minnesota's largest junior high team. The team has captured 27 state championships and 14 national titles, and it's regularly ranked in the top five nationally.
Recently, the team took first place at the Minnesota State Chess Association Scholastic Chess Championships, and it will compete at the National Junior High Championships in Atlanta April 25-27.
One of the program's secrets to success, Ribnick said, was aiming high from the get-go. Like many of the things he teaches students in chess club, which meets twice a week after school, the lesson applies to both chess and life.
"I like to say, 'It's better to aim for the stars and miss than aim for a pile of manure and hit,' " he said.
Another key component of the program is recruitment. Ribnick isn't above enticing Metcalf students to join by holding giant monthly parties, held at a water park or featuring paintball and pizza.