Chess Camp by High School Champions Report

I am happy to report the Chess Camp by State High School Champions held on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Mountain Lake Public Schools was a success.

Michael Yang, Minnesota Scholastic Champion, and Matt Anzis, Iowa Scholastic Champion, presented Tactics and Opening sessions, respectively, to twelve eager students. Students also had a session on Endgame, as well as a puzzle and blitz competitions. Ten students from four Minnesota cities (St. Peter, Mankato, Lakefield and Mountain Lake) were joined by two student from Sibley, Iowa.

The chess camp had three objectives:

Fundraiser to offset expenses for the two scholastic champions in their upcoming Denker Invitational Tournament of High School Champions to be held at Indianapolis, Indiana in early August;

Teach students some basic and sound principles of chess to help elevate their level of play; and

Help grow chess in the Southwest Minnesota and Northwest Iowa regions.

We would like to thank Mountain Lake Chess Club and Mountain Lake Public Schools for hosting the camp. We also greatly appreciate Dr. Steven Harder and Southwest Minnesota Chess for sponsoring the event with their contributions of $105 and $100, respectively. Dr. W. James Wilde, P.E., also donated $100, which will be split and mailed to Michael and Matt. Dr. Harder donated the meals for students and adults, ensuring 100% of the proceeds were provided to the two benefactors. Each of our two champions were presented with a check of $200 to help with their expenses at the Denker tournament. Including the $50 being mailed to each scholastic champion, the total amount they will receive is $250.

Also helping with the camp presentations were Hank Anzis, Sam Smith, Dr. Harder and John Flores.

The camp attendants were divided into three groups of four according to grade and/or level of play. The results of the blitz and puzzle competitions were as follows:

Blitz Competition:

Group 1

1. Jacob Wilde 5 Mankato, Mn W-4 W-2 W-3 3.0

2. Leticia Flores 7 Sibley, Ia W-3 L-1 W-4 2.0

3. James Skoog St. Peter, Mn 8 L-2 W-4 L-1 1.0

4. Steven Wilde, Mankato, Mn 7 L-1 L-3 L-2 0.0

Group 2

1. Neal Anderson 3 Mankato, Mn W-3 W-2 W-4 3.0

2. Daniel Harder 6 Mountain Lake, Mn W-4 L-1 W-3 2.0

3. Hunter Dahna 5 Mountain Lake, Mn L-1 W-4 L-2 1.0

4. Jareya Harder 3 Mountain Lake, Mn L-2 L-3 L-1 0.0

Group 3

1. Ryan Franz 3 Mountain Lake, Mn W-3 W-2 D-4 2.5

2. Isabella Hubbard 3 Lakefied, Mn W-4 L-1 W-3 2.0

3. Maria Flores 5 Sibley, Ia L-1 W-4 L-2 1.0

4. Madison Dahna 2 Mountain Lake, Mn L-2 L-3 D-1 0.5

Chess Puzzles Competition

Group 1

1. James Skoog 8 St. Peter, Mn

2. Jacob Wilde 5 Mankato, Mn

3. Leticia Flores 7 Sibley, Ia

4. Steven Wilde 7 Mankato, Mn

Group 2

1. Daniel Harder 6 Mountain Lake, Mn

2. Hunter Dahna 5 Mountain Lake, Mn

3. Jareya Harder 3 Mountain Lake, Mn

4. Neal Anderson 3 Mankato, Mn

Group 3

1. Maria Flores 5 Sibley, Ia

2. Ryan Franz 3 Mountain Lake, Mn

3. Madison Dahna 3 Mountain Lake, Mn

4. Isabella Hubbard 3 Lakefield, Mn

We would like to also recognize and thank the Minnesota State Chess Association and the Iowa State Chess Association for the stipends they provide to their respective champions. While their contributions are significant and appreciated, it unfortunately, is not enough to cover their meals, travel and lodging.

Anyone wishing to contribute may do so by sending your donations directly to the following addresses:

Michael Yang

15560 Junegrass

Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Matthew Anzis

409 N. Center St.

Marshalltown, IA 50158

Thank you in advance for your kind attention and contributions!