SLCC battles BYU, U of U in chess competition

The 2015 Utah Collegiate Team Chess Championship, held at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, saw the top three players from Salt Lake Community College, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah competing for team and individual honors.

After several hours of intense competition, the tournament ended with a three-way tie between the schools, with SLCC coming out on top in the teams match. There were worries that BYU would be playing with multiple queens, which turned out to be simply rumors.

Robert Williams, an advisor for the University Chess Club at University of Utah, had kind words to say for all who participated.

“It was a lot of fun,” Williams stated. “Thanks to Paul Kimball, David Vasquez and Grant Hodson for organizing and running the 2015 Utah Collegiate match, as well as the other tournaments over the years. We enjoyed the tournaments and interacting with both the BYU students and SLCC students.”

At this time, the SLCC Chess club is considering options to participate in the Pan American Intercollegiate Team Tournament, an annual competition started in 1946. Among the top players from North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, each compete for top honors and the status of being among the best players in the world.

Students interested in participating in the chess club at SLCC, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to contact Grant Hodson for more information. The club has regular meetings and is a great way to sharpen up your skills and ultimately have the honor of participating in the Utah Collegiate Chess Championship and other tournaments held throughout the year.