Chess players qualify for playoffs

Fourth-grader Thomas Waggoner received a medal on March 24 when he placed 7th out of 15 players. Thomas competing at the elementary-age level monthly area chess tournament held by the Coastal Bend Chess Federation at St. Patrick Catholic School.
 

Eight chess club members from St. Pius X Catholic School were presented with trophies shaped like chess knights at an area chess meet on March 23. The students qualify for playoffs for the club championship starting in April.

Father Paul Hesse, pastor of St. Pius X Parish, blessed the trophies and emphasized the importance of striving to develop the gift of the intellect through games like chess "as we also strive to improve our lives."

The first playoff with all eight competing for four semifinal spots will be on April 13 at noon. The club champion will receive another trophy, a queen for a girl or a king for a boy. 

Among the eight chess club members, Fourth-grader Thomas Waggoner received a medal on March 24 when he placed 7th out of 15 players. Thomas competed at the elementary-age level monthly area chess tournament held by the Coastal Bend Chess Federation at St. Patrick Catholic School. Several members of the St. Pius X club have now gone to at least one of these all-day tournaments.

The Chess Club is sponsored by Charles Branning.