St. Michael's School starts Chess Club
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted January 31, 2002

Checkmate.

That's a word that many grade school students at St. Michael's in Sioux City dread to hear but long to say. And for more than 30 of them who belong to the school's Chess Club, they've been getting a lot of practice at both.

Tony Gunter, seventh grade homeroom teacher, explained that he realized many of the students had an interest in Chess after he had them play the game during class free time.

"I discovered a lot of the Chess pieces were in a cabinet in the back of the room and I was looking to give them something to do," said Gunter, who is a first-year teacher. "I wanted the free time to be educational. With Chess it requires you to think in advance. It takes a lot of discipline."

They found enough pieces and boards to set up 10-12 games at one time. When he saw the excitement that was generated during that short time, that gave him the idea to start a Chess Club.

After mentioning the possibility of a club to the seventh graders, the students responded positively to the idea. He started the club in the fall and opened it up to fourth through eighth grade. Of the 34 members, about 70 percent are boys and the majority are in the sixth or seventh grade.

Chess Club is held for an hour after school every Tuesday. Generally 25 to 30 attend on a weekly basis.

"I am a more deliberate player. I like to take my time, but the students can easily get a couple games in, in an hour," said Gunter, who is a second career teacher. Players who are unbeaten for the week are paired up during the next club gathering. He does not separate them by grade level "because I don't think grade level has a lot to do with the ability to play."

When the club first started the teacher would monitor the play and encourage the more experienced player to share advice and tips with the less experienced player. The players have improved and he rarely sees anyone fall for the easy tricks.

If there is an odd player out, Gunter plays.

Right away, one of the main goals for many of the students was to beat the teacher. So far a few have succeeded and he acknowledged some have taught him a few new strategies.

"I really like to play Chess and I really like strategy games," said Anthony Oberle, who added that he also wanted to be part of the club because many of his friends joined. He played Chess with Joshua Elbert even prior to the club.

Oberle noted that the game required concentration, but practice helped a great deal with it.

Ian Branch, seventh grade student, pointed out that he just learned to play right before joining the club. At home he practices against his Dad and sister, Marie, who is also in the club.

Not only does he find the game to be fun, but also it improves his concentration.

"I think chess is a fun game and I like the strategies involved," said Joshua Elbert, seventh grade student. When he found out the school was going to offer Chess Club he was excited.

Another seventh grade student, Tyler Gaswint, noted that he knew how to play chess before the club was formed. Once the club started up he was surprised to learn how many students played.

Since his mother is the only one who plays chess at home, he pointed out that she bought him a computer chess game so he could practice.

The teacher is not aware of other middle schools offering a Chess Club. If Gunter discovers other clubs, he said St. Michael's would be up for a tournament.

"I have received overall positive response," he said. "Parents are glad that I am doing something extra for the kids. And I don't mind doing it at all - I love it."