1995-96 UMBC Chess Team

November 11, 1995, shortly before UMBC vs. MIT match. Sitting (left to right): Smirin, Sherman (Faculty Advisor), Morrison. Standing (left to right): Shinn, Weerakoon, Belegradek, Longo. Photo by Martha Stewart.

1995 Pan-Am Team

Ilya J. Smirin (FIDE 2630), International Grandmaster
William ``the exterminator'' Morrison (2535), 1995 Maryland Champion
Ishan Weerakoon (2142, FIDE 2210), former Sri Lankan Chess Champion
Derrick Longo (2087)
first alternate: Alexander Shinn (1956)
second alternate: Kalonji Collins (1500)

Average rating: 2374.
Coach: Master Igor Epshteyn.

Team for MIT Match

Ilya J. Smirin (FIDE 2630), International Grandmaster
William ``the exterminator'' Morrison (2535), 1995 Maryland Champion
Ishan Weerakoon (2142, FIDE 2210), former Sri Lankan Chess Champion
Derrick Longo (2087)
Bella Belegradek (2068)
Alexander Shinn (1956)

Results

UMBC defeated MIT 5-1 in a six-board intercollegiate match held November 11, 1995, in Cambridge, MA.
After learning the results of the UMBC vs. MIT match, Johns Hopkins cancelled its match with UMBC.
UMBC placed fourth out of 36 teams at the 1995 Pan-Am held December 26-29, 1995, in New York City with a score of 4.5 out of 6. Ilya Smirin won the top prize for Board 1 with a score of 5.5 out of 6. Story.