UTB-TSC hires new chess coach
The Brownsville Herald

September 4, 2006 – The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College will have an international grandmaster as chess coach.

Grandmaster Gilberto Hernandez, a Mexican citizen, is set to take over as UTB-TSC chess coach, university officials said.

“It makes a lot more sense to have a coach from Mexico who is bilingual that has played tournaments in Mexico and all over the world to be here,” said Russell Hardwood, UTB-TSC chess program director.

“He is just such a good fit. Our team and culture are compromised of students from both sides of the border,” Harwood said.

Hernandez was born in Ebanos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but recently resided in Argentina with his wife Claudia Amura, an Argentinian grand master.

At age 14, Hernandez became a national master, a FIDE master at 16, and an international grandmaster at 19.

Including Spain and France, Hernandez has competed in more than 30 countries, and has 15 years of experience training players in all ages.

“He has worked with some of the strongest players in the world,” Hardwood said. “He is also still playing, so that will bring a lot of recognition to UTB.”

With UTB winning the national championship in December, Hardwood says Hernandez will set higher standards and take competitive chess at the university to the next level.

“We are pleased with the quality and experience Hernandez will bring to the program,” Hardwood said. “He will be a perfect fit for his team and the university.”
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