A Historic Oklahoma Chess Event in the Making
13 January 06

With 222 pre-registrations the Jenks Winter Open tomorrow (14 Jan 06) is poised to be the largest rated chess tournament in Oklahoma history. This event is a fundraiser for the Jenks Community Education Chess Program headed up by Rod Whitlatch. JCECP is probably the largest scholastic chess program in Oklahoma with over 80 members. Several club parents and supporters will be volunteering to assure an enjoyable event.

$1 per player will go to the OSCO Grand Prix fund which will be approaching $800 after 4 of 6 events. After this event OSCO will have processed over 220 new and renewed USCF memberships in about 3 months.

The certified USCF TD volunteer staff will include Mike Covington, Pete Ferris, Rod Whitlatch, Charles Unruh, Robert McDonough, Lauren Shaffer, Jim Gray, Mike Swatek, and possibly others. In addition there will be several other TD assistants to help assure this historic event gets started in a timely manner and goes smoothly.

You’re welcome to drop by and visit the tournament to witness Oklahoma chess history. Look for State Champion Chuck Unruh in the skittles area going over games and coaching the participants between rounds. You’re almost certain to spot some other familiar faces too. More information, including a map and tournament flier is available on the OSCO tournament schedule web page at www.okschess.org .

Thanks to all of the Teachers, School Administrators, Parents, Coaches, Tournament Directors and other Volunteers that have worked together to help build Oklahoma scholastic chess to this level in just a few years.