PCR Chess Team Wins State Competition
Second and third graders placed first in Super States Scholastic Championship, while the kindergarten and first-grade group won fifth place.
By Donna Evans
When a former child prodigy is impressed, you know it’s a strong team.
Coach Jay Stallings, who won multiple state championships himself in the 1970s, led Palm Crest Elementary’s chess team to statewide wins earlier this month at the Super States Scholastic Championship. The second and third grade team took first place and in the individual category, teammate Kevin [parents asked that last names not be used] earned 10th place for an individual. As for kindergarten and first grade, 7-year-old Riley won 10th place, while he helped his team place fifth.
“It’s an intellectual challenge for them – a chance for them to sit across from their friends and match wits,” said Stallings, director of the non-profit California Youth Chess League, which comprises 700 students in 19 schools. PCR is the League’s only La Cañada school.
PCR’s chess club meets after school once a week. The students practice strategic moves and learn how to play with the clock. Stallings, who’s been coaching since 1994, also projects lessons onto a screen.
Full article here.
Nice job Coach Jay.