LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces Public Schools chess tournament drew about 75 players across the district, but it was only the beginning of the game of chess in Las Cruces.
Students work with volunteer coaches to improve their skills as chess grows in popularity in the district.
Hosted the tournament on November 19, Camino Real Middle hosted students from multiple LCPS schools including Mesa Middle, Monte Vista Elementary, Sonoma Elementary, Highland Elementary, Loma Heights Elementary, Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy, Zia Middle, Vista Middle, Arrowhead Park Early College High, Organ Mountain High, and Las Cruces High.
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The chess tournament was split into three divisions, Elementary K-5, Middle School 6-8, and High School 9-12. In each division there were awards for 1st to 3rd place for individual players and 1st to 3rd place for each team. The results of the chess tournament at Camino Real Middle School are as follows:
Individual basic level
- 1. Manuel Castillo
- 2nd (tie, 2nd overall) Ilijah Horcasitas
- 2nd (tie, 3rd overall) Ezekiel Laos
- 2nd (tie, 4th overall) Larry Crotts III
- 2nd (tie, 5th overall) Benjamin Geiger
Team basic level
- 1. Monte Vista (led by Manny Castillo)
- 2. Highland Elementary School
- 3. Mac Arthur Elementary School
Middle school team
- 1. Camino Real Varsity
- 2. Vista Middle School
- 3. Camino Real Junior Varsity
Team high school
- 1st Arrowhead Park Early College High
- 2. Organ Mountain High Varsity
- 3. Orgelberg High Junior Varsity
What’s next for chess in Las Cruces?
Chess became a New Mexico Activities Association-approved activity in 2015 with the help of William Barela, a trainer from Arrowhead Park Early College High and an accomplished chess player in Doña Ana County.
LCPS said Barela was instrumental in linking community support from local sponsors for chess tournaments, securing a place to practice, and providing meals to students participating in afternoon school and chess on Sundays.
“Everyone is always invited,” said Barela. “There’s so much more room to grow, even if we find a school with a player or two, we’ll always make room for everyone.”
Since it was approved by the NMAA, the game of chess has grown in popularity, with more and more students from different grades in the district.
This year the game caught the interest of younger students like Manuel (Manny) Castillo, a 5th grade student.
The work of nearly 20 LCPS volunteers and coaches has helped make the game stand out at the local level in schools.
Volunteer Manuel Castillo is a chess coach for Highland Elementary, Sonoma Elementary, Mesa Middle School and Monte Vista Elementary. He also directs after-school programs at the Southern New Mexico Chess Academy. In recent years, Castillo has had the highest participation in chess players from any school.
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Rose Vicario and Jesse Vick are volunteers who made it possible for Zia Middle School to participate in chess tournaments. Joshua Wisner coaches students at Vista Middle School. Deborah Soffera is Camino Real’s chess trainer. Michael Soffera runs the Organ Mountain High School chess club.
“I am delighted with the progress our city has made with the support of these wonderful teachers, volunteers and coaches who have helped the students develop their skills and love for chess,” said Michael Soffera. “Without these trainers, the students would have no place to learn such a beautiful game that encourages critical thinking, logic, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, focus, discipline and, most importantly, collaboration. Players and coaches have worked together to develop a strong chess culture in southern New Mexico and we are finally seeing the fruits of our labor. “
All those interested in chess are cordially invited to play. The club is currently looking for sponsors for upcoming chess tournaments. Students often practice during lunch if they choose and after school. With the help of volunteers from the LCPS, students are invited to practice at Corner Bakery on Lohman Avenue on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Meals will be provided.
Organ Mountain High School will host a custom chess tournament on December 17th at 1:30 p.m.
Email at [email protected] for information.
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