Waukee South Middle School Students Tie for First at Central Iowa Youth Chess Tournament

Waukee South Middle School (SMS) sixth grader Arun Dixit and seventh grader Mrithuul Madanprasad, tied for first place with perfect scores in the morning section and tied for second place in the afternoon section at the Central Iowa Youth Chess Tournament on December 10. The Tournament was held at the Grimes Community Complex. Both are members of the SMS Chess Group ran through Waukee Community Education.

SMS sixth graders Hunter Waugh, Prabhas Sunkara, Abhi Kayithi, seventh grader Sai Rayasam and 30 students from the surrounding area competed in the tournament.

SMS Chess Group met every Tuesday morning from 7:15 to 7:55 for 10 weeks in the fall. They practiced by sharing tactics with one another and matching up more advanced players with beginners.

“We follow the ladder system, where kids challenge each other and try to be their best. It’s so much fun to see them engaging in a healthy competition,” said instructor Upasna Gaur.

The individual tournament was open to all players ages 19 and under, with a section for adults and friends to play with no cost. It was also a no elimination game meaning all players played all games. Medals were awarded to all participants and trophies to the top five for each section.

The 2017 Drake Chess Club Iowa State Chess Association (IASCA) Mini-Qualifier State level tournament will be held January 14 at Drake University. Any student can apply for entry. Unlike the previous tournament, the IASCA tournament is a team event meaning the students will play as a team against different schools. The entry fee is $25 online and $30 at the door. Awards for the first place finisher are $100 and a trophy, second place $75 and third place $50.

This spring Waukee Community Education is partnering with Youth Enrichment League will offer Chess and Chess Tournament for opportunities for students in grades K-5. For more information about Waukee Community Education or to register online, visit www.waukeeschools.org/commed/.