Chess & Checkers Aces Win Big

WAITSBURG - Nine years ago the teachers at Waitsburg Elementary were faced with a dilemma. What could they do with the children who wanted to play games indoors instead of going outside for recess in the cold during the long winter months?

Longtime elementary teacher Margie Douglas, together with her late husband Dee, came up with an idea - chess and checkers tournaments.

"Thus giving the students an alternative to going out in the cold weather," Douglas said. "They have so much fun. Every year starting in November, the students begin to ask when we can start the matches."

The tournaments run from December through March. They play during their noon recesses.

Mondays and Wednesdays it's chess in Douglas' room; Tuesdays and Thursdays they compete at checkers in Mrs. Coulston's fifthgrade classroom. Fridays are make-up days for the kids who missed a match.

"The kids have developed some wonderful strategies," Douglas said. "We also stress the importance of sportsmanship throughout the tournaments."

Two weeks ago, 13 students were honored in the Waitsburg elementary library for their dedication to the game.

Kids from all grades received trophies for first through third place in each game. Others received medals. Students' names were drawn for special chess and checkers prizes, which included game sets and other chess and checkers items.

Fifth grader Tyler Wood took first place in both chess and checkers.

"This might be the first time one person has won first place at both games," Waitsburg Superintendent Carol Clarke said.