An enthusiastic SHS Chess Team gears up for state tournament
The Sherwood Gazette, Feb 21, 2011
Some Sherwood High School Chess Team members are so dedicated that they not only play the game a lot but they also coach younger students in its strategies and tactics.
And now, in addition to practicing, competing and coaching, the team is busy preparing to host the Oregon High School Chess Team Association State Tournament at SHS on March 11 and 12 when up to 250 players are expected to attend.
SHS won the state championship three years ago and last year tied for first place but lost in a play-off blitz game, according to Kris Field-Eaton, district chess liaison.
Seniors Jackson Wright and Conor Scoggin are the team captains this year, and both are also coaches.
Jackson started playing at Archer Glen Elementary in the second grade and has been the coach for two years at Edy Ride Elementary, which last year won the Chess for Success regionals. Elementary and middle schools participate in the Chess for Success program.
“There are more than 30 students playing chess there this year,” he said.
Jackson likes playing as well as coaching.
“Chess is a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s really an underrated game. It involves a lot of strategy, which I found interesting when I started. My sister is three years older, and she was taught and coached by the legendary Jack Weeks.
Full article here.
Those are big numbers.