Sisters youths excel in chess tourney

Ten Sisters youths took the Central Oregon chess world by surprise last Saturday, February 4, finishing second in their first-ever entry into a chess tournament.

The Sisters players competed in the Oregon Scholastic Regional Chess Tournament at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend. Trinity’s club took first place, followed by Sisters and Elk Meadow.

Sisters player Mick Larson qualified to participate in a statewide tournament.

The other participants were: Chance O’Neal Jacob Heath, Noah Kanzig, Mikayla Duvenik, Zack Hannemann, Pat Mann, Ryan Pollard, Brandon Pollard and Nathan Pajutee.

Jack Weeks coached the squad.

Weeks is hoping to spark interest in a community chess night at Soba Noodles Restaurant. The first evening is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8.

According to Weeks, everyone is welcome on a drop-in basis. Bring chess sets.

Players will meet weekly on Wednesdays in Soba’s back room from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. For more information call 549-1442.