Blake is a member of the National Chess Federation and the Chess Club at his elementary school. His team recently went to the regional finals tournament that would determine what teams move on to state finals. His team was doing well and vying for first place when one of the team members attempted to bribe his opponent. Points were deducted as penalty and it knocked Blake's team to a disappointing fourth place. The boy who robbed his own team seemed as if he really did not care and had a cocky attitude. He seemed to gloat while his dad argued with the teacher who leads the team. No one yet knows if the boy has been removed from the team or what punishment the school will administer. There are 10 remaining team members who are sorely upset and Blake is trying to figure out if he can qualify for the state finals as an independent. Who knows?!?! I do know this - Blake got a medal, can beat anyone on his team, and I am proud him.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Update on Blake's Chess Club Team
Blake is a member of the National Chess Federation and the Chess Club at his elementary school. His team recently went to the regional finals tournament that would determine what teams move on to state finals. His team was doing well and vying for first place when one of the team members attempted to bribe his opponent. Points were deducted as penalty and it knocked Blake's team to a disappointing fourth place. The boy who robbed his own team seemed as if he really did not care and had a cocky attitude. He seemed to gloat while his dad argued with the teacher who leads the team. No one yet knows if the boy has been removed from the team or what punishment the school will administer. There are 10 remaining team members who are sorely upset and Blake is trying to figure out if he can qualify for the state finals as an independent. Who knows?!?! I do know this - Blake got a medal, can beat anyone on his team, and I am proud him.
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Awwww...I'm proud of him, too. Chess is a very hard game and I admire anyone who enjoys in and is good at it.
ReplyDeleteYAY for Booger Bears!!! I definatly hope the other kids are not to badly punished for one childs mistake. Especially if the other kid didn't care. Glad to see Blake doing well!
ReplyDeleteSonia O #16
Tena - I don't even understand the game, but Blake is apparently quite good at it.
ReplyDeleteSonia - Can you believe Blake is so big?!?!? He is nearly as tall as me.
Wow!! That's awesome! I'm a student at the University of Texas at Dallas (at least for another 1.5 weeks until I grad!), and our Chess team is a huge success! And I love it! Most schools are big about their sports, and I guess we are too... but we are equally as excited about our Chess team that is ranked pretty high!! I'm so proud of Blake!! Good job!
ReplyDeleteTell Blake, I don't even know him, and I'm proud of him. Love, Helen
ReplyDeleteRochelle - I didn't realize how big a "sport" chess was until Blake started going to tournaments. There are "chess" mom's who bring RV's to tournaments and camp out.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I just have a feeling you and Blake would hit it off really good. He loves conversation and learning.
So proud of Blake - he is a true champion under adverse circumstances. Unfortunately, the pressures parents are placing on their children to win, not just participate, is causing the desperate acts we are seeing in our youth. Sounds like the dad was out of control too, which is definitely why this happened in the first place.
ReplyDeleteKaren - out-of-control kids are often a reflection of their parent/s. It is sad some parents have no moral or ethical regard and are actually happy when their child rebels. It makes me cringe.
ReplyDeleteWhat a let down to the team! =( But good job for Blake! =) I hope he can qualify as an individual to go to nationals.
ReplyDeleteDon't cringe too much. It's possible that the child of atheists could become a Christian. That, too, might be rebellion.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and my son have both recently take up chess. I agree that chess is a difficult game that requires strategy and thinking ahead. I'm no good at it, but I admire people who are. My husband has played some people he knows online and has been check-mated in as little as 4 moves.
ReplyDeleteTell Blake congrats on his performance!
Congratulations Blake. Keep up the great work! We are are proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteJen - thanks for your well wishes.
ReplyDeleteHelen - you got me on that one. I guess I should clarify there is good and bad rebellion? LOL I should have clarified myself better. I have met parents who encouraged their child to misbehave, disregard others, cuss, never use manners, etc. A rebellion to courtesy and respect. That's the rebellion that makes me cringe. Chances are, those kids will be the ones in deadly gangs, prison, and fighting dangerous addictions. Anyway, thanks for keeping me on my toes. :)
Carol and Debbie - thanks for your kind remarks.
Awesome job Blake!!!!
ReplyDeleteMom. . .thanks for sharing!
Debbie - thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Blake! Proud of You!!
ReplyDeleteJolene - thanks!
ReplyDeleteWay to Go Blake, I believe that you can do it on your own, God Bless,
ReplyDeleteCheri - thanks for your sweet remarks.
ReplyDeleteNever could get a handle on chess. Looks like Blake is good at it. Good job.
ReplyDelete