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Hard work yields state title in chess

Post-Tribune (IN) February 28, 2008 | Sue Ellen Ross, Post-Tribune correspondent THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM PRINTED VERSION LEFT: Scott Middle School chess team coach John Pimentel (from left) works with students A.J. Adams, 12, Jozef Zawacki, 13, Diego Perez, 13, and David Hageman, 14, during a recent after-school practice. Pimentel has directed Scott’s team since 1980. He also is the school’s visual arts teacher for sixth through eighth grades.(PHOTO – Color) ABOVE: Michael McNerlin, 13, a seventh-grader at Scott Middle School in Hammond, practices during a match after school. McNerlin won his age group at the recent Scholastic Chess of Indiana state tournament.(PHOTO – Color) Jozef Zawacki, an eighth-grader at Scott, records the time of a move during a recent game of chess after school.(PHOTO – Color) Michael McNerlin, 13, learned the basics of chess from his father when he was 4 years old. McNerlin, a Scott Middle School seventh-grader, has built upon his expertise, playing with like-minded young students at school and entering many competitions. in our site blocked games at school

“I joined Chess Club because I love to play the game,” McNerlin said. “I am learning focus, competition and concentration skills.” He apparently has learned his lessons well; McNerlin recently won his age group in the Scholastic Chess of Indiana state finals at East Side Middle School in Anderson. He competed in a field of 64.

Paula and Mike McNerlin felt their son had what it took to win a state title and were thrilled when he did so.

“We were very proud …,” Paula said. “Michael has belonged to Chess Club for many years — since grade school — and has (improved) each year.” The McNerlins said Scott Middle School teacher and chess coach John Pimentel had much to do with Michael’s success.

“Mr. Pimentel taught me the matrix system of chess, which helped me develop my skills,” Michael said. “He is a great coach and teacher.” Pimentel has served as chess coach for five years and enjoys watching the students develop their own styles of play. web site blocked games at school

“I enjoyed playing chess in college, and I thought our students could benefit from all that a chess program can offer,” he said Pimentel developed the program at Scott in 1980 with his wrestling team.

“I told them it would help them with strategy in wrestling and it would help them in school to get better grades,” he said. “They didn’t buy the sales pitch, but they tried it, and some of them excelled and became very good at it.” This year’s Chess Club has 34 students. Lunchtime games at school are optional, but well-attended.

“I feel our students are better-prepared when we practice daily during their respective lunch periods,” Pimentel said. “We do not put pressure on them to come to practice; however, they see how it pays off when they do.

“Chess stimulates the thinking process and promotes problem-solving skills. It teaches civility and helps students to focus as well as persevere.

“Life is full of challenges; the skills acquired through chess carry back to the classroom.” Added Michael, “I will keep learning and increasing my skills every day,” he said.

Sue Ellen Ross, Post-Tribune correspondent