Chess Club members score points at Blitz

From left, Cordell Williams, Timothy Crank, Colter Wilson, Joel Ulahannan, Jason Devinney, Wesley Vaughan, Kyle King and Cason Wilson are pictured at the "Oklahoma Blitz Championship" at UCO where the First Lutheran School Chess Club students competed on Saturday.

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Joel Ulahannan, a 4th grader at First Lutheran School and member of the First Lutheran School Chess Club of Ponca City, placed 8th in the K-6th Rated Under 700 section and medaled with 6.0 points in the "Oklahoma Blitz Championship" at the University of Central Oklahoma April 9 in Edmond.

Cason Wilson, Roosevelt 5th grader, secured 5.0 points and Wesley Vaughan, First Lutheran 1st grader, came out with 4.5 points in that section.

A Ponca City High School student, Cordell Williams, secured 3.0 points in the highest section, K-12th Rated 700+.

Of the eight First Lutheran School Chess Club students who participated, none finished the day with any less than 2.0 points.

Chess Club Coordinator Jennifer Vaughan said "Blitz" is a form of chess in which all moves must occur during a fixed time, usually five minutes per player.

"Our club students enjoyed preparing for and competing in this tournament, as blitz is much more fast-paced than your typical game of chess," she said.
"I believe that most of them are ready to get back to their regular games where they can devote more time, caution and strategy."

The FLS Chess Club is open to all students in Ponca City, grades 1st through 12th, and currently has 30 students from nine different schools.

The club meets each Wednesday from 7 to 8:10 a.m. and Friday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

During the summer, the club will meet Monday and Friday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced.

The mission of the First Lutheran School Chess Club is to develop and improve chess skills in a supportive environment, to encourage each student to their full potential, and to nurture specific chess-related skills including strategic thinking, problem solving and self-confidence, and to promote the value of chess throughout the community.

Students are required to submit a one-time $35 membership fee. The fee helps cover the cost of supplies for the club as well as the student’s own scorebook. Membership is required to participate; however, there are limited scholarships available if needed.

Call or text Vaughan at 580-716-1931 or email [email protected] with any questions, to receive the necessary sign-up form for students, or to volunteer to assist with the club.