Chess tournament participants play to advance to the finals

Teachers Benito Bernal and Derrick Morin sponsored a chess tournament on December 1st. 

After 22 players competed, the tournament ended with Luis Martinez beating senior Ivan Cavazos during 9th period on December 9th. Martinez was rewarded a small trophy and a Whataburger meal.

According to Bernal, the idea for the chess tournament was not new. 

“So, last year, Mrs. Treviño was the chess club sponsor, and we started talking, and we had mentioned that we were big, huge fans of the TV show on Netflix: The Queen’s Gambit,” Bernal said.

At the onset of this school year, Bernal and Trevino revisited the idea for a tournament.

“[Trevino] became the lead teacher of the freshman class. She passed the chess sponsorship to Mr. Morin because he is a chess player,” Bernal said. 

With Morin and Bernal supporting the tournament, senior students came on board, and the tournament was planned and approved by the school administration. 

Traditionally, students were not excited by the prospect of chess; however, Bernal commented on the positive feedback he received from students when the idea was being developed, and the event was planned.

Winston Garza is a junior at JCECHS, President of the Junior Class, looking to major in Criminal Justice, and a very social/outgoing person overall. Along with being a proud former member of the UIL Debate team.