In recognition of clubs and organizations around campus, one club has exemplified its strength by constant training among members: the Chess Club.  They put in countless hours of preparation and strategizing to ultimately compete and win a place among other masters of the games. Two members were taking that journey over the summer; tragically, one had to carry the torch for the other in remembrance. Dean W. Sydlewski was the president of the Chess Club, unfortunately, over the summer he died of cardiac arrest at the age of 52.  In memory of his friend and fellow chess enthusiast, Volodymyr Opryshchenko entered the 2013 United States Chess Federation U.S. Open (USCF) held in Madison from July 27 through August 4. Having no true interest in competing, Opryshchenko took first place among unranked players and ranked 210 out of 519. “It was Dean’s dream to enter this competition and since it was returning back to Wisconsin (after 50 years), Dean felt this was opportunity to compete on such a grand level,” said Opryshchenko. They spent their summer practicing for hours and Opryshchenko can recall taking time away from his family to dedicate to his friend for his readiness. The men’s friendship was spent on their passion for chess; Sydlewski’s presence made him part of Opryshchenko’s family. Ten hours every Saturday were spent with Opryshchenko aiding Sydlewski’s skills. “Dean asked me to join and play because this is an opportunity for me as well,” Opryshchenko stated. He  continued, “I did not have the drive nor did I want to spend the money; I felt I was too old myself to compete.” On June 13, Dean W. Sydlewski passed away. Not only was he a student of MATC, but he served in the U.S. Air Force and also was a member of the Southwest Chess Club. Opryshchenko wanted to honor his friend and entered himself in the USCF U.S. Open, despite his earlier reservations.

During the competition, Opryshchenko recalls thinking of his friend and using that as his motivation, propelling him to move forward and eventually placing. The comradery between Opryshchenko and Sydlewski will live forever, and never will be forgotten as long as there is a game of chess to play.