For the past few weeks, freshman Ian Freeland has been spending up to six hours a day playing chess online and watching Grand Masters on YouTube.
Just more than a year ago, Freeland took up the game of chess. And it was only a few months ago when his devotion took root.
"I thought I might as well get serious about it," Freeland said.
Part of his enthusiasm was kindled after attending his first tournament, he said.
Today, he's competing for a second year in the State Scholastic Tournament.