“Hahaha, Checkmate!” recently echoed throughout the buidling as Sloan Creek Middle School chess team members took part September 5 in the 75th Annual Southwest Open in Fort Worth, a chess tournament where students went for the gold.

Tournament players included Hunter Smith, Heidi Zettl, Ryan James, Hunter Jackson, Jacob Dobson, and Connor Costello.

Two SCMS teams played in the tournament, and they both placed in the top five. Our U750 (under 750) team placed 2nd of the seven teams, while the school’s Championship Section placed 4th out of eight teams.

"Chess is truly a brain sport. It takes practice, stamina, and amazing amounts of concentration," said SCMS Librarian Media Specialist Shawnea Jackson who is the chess team's Faculty Sponsor. "Our players played for an hour at a time and gave others a run for their money," said Jackson.

The U750 team lost by one point and placed 2nd. One game alone lasted around an hour, while the entire tournament lasted all day. Awards were handed out at the end of the tournament.

"A trophy is a memory of an accomplishment, and is not always physical," said seventh-grader Ryan James. In preparation for tournaments and to practice their game, the Chess Club meets every Monday after school until five p.m. Annual membership dues are $40.