Although there is some disagreement to whether or not chess is an actual sport, its popularity rate is growing rapidly at Jackson Prep as though it is one. One would be hard pressed not to notice the large number of people playing chess in Dr. Smith’s room during the lunch period. Dr. Smith encourages new people to come and learn how to play chess during that time. At the tournament in the Madison Public Library two weeks ago, Prep had six competitors finish in the top ten. Dr. Smith was very pleased with the performance of the Prep team saying “It was a very successful tournament.” 

This past weekend, The National Chess Day Tournament was held at the Mississippi Children’s Museum and a few Prep players placed in the top fifteen. Andrew Trautzsch led the Prep competitors, placing 5th overall. Barnabas Spivey was just behind him, coming in 6th place. Spencer Byrd placed 10th and Parker Griffis placed 14th. After two successful tournaments, Dr. Smith hopes that this will be yet another year where he adds several trophies to the school’s collection.